Devine Scripture

John 16:30

What does John 16:30 mean?

A plain-English look at John 16:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 16:30 means

The disciples affirm that Jesus knows all things and needs no one to question Him; on this basis, they say they believe He came from God. They recognize His insight into their hearts and circumstances, taking it as evidence of divine origin. Their confession is true as far as it goes, but it is untested. Soon, fear will scatter them. Still, this moment matters: they are moving toward mature faith. Jesus will not despise their growing understanding, even as He exposes its weakness. Knowledge of Jesus’ omniscient wisdom is right; the coming ordeal will deepen it as they learn His love and power amid their own collapse.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now we are certain that you have knowledge of all things and have no need for anyone to put questions to you: through this we have faith that you came from God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

now we have known that thou hast known all things, and hast no need that any one do question thee; in this we believe that from God thou didst come forth.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now we know that thou knowest all things and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now we know that thou knowest all things, and hast not need that any one should demand of thee. By this we believe that thou art come fromGod.

Context

This response continues the disciples’ assertion of understanding. It raises the stakes by confessing Jesus’ divine knowledge and origin. Jesus will immediately challenge the sturdiness of this faith by predicting their desertion. The narrative rhythm is important: profession, probing, prophecy, then promise. The Lord will hold them through failure and secure their peace by His victory, not their constancy.

v.29His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.

v.30This passage

v.31Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 5:20

    For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel.

  • John 16:27

    for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father.

  • John 16:17

    Some of his disciples therefore said one to another, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye behold me not; and again a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

  • John 17:8

    for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

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