John 16:31
What does John 16:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:31 means
Jesus asks, “Do you now believe?” His question is gentle but searching. It acknowledges their confession while hinting that it is not yet resilient. He prepares them to see the gap between words spoken in safety and faith standing in crisis. The question invites humility: true belief will soon be tested. Yet in raising it, Jesus does not withdraw His promises. He knows what is about to happen and still claims them as His own. The point is not to shame but to ready them for the shock of their weakness, so that when they fail, they will remember He foresaw it and provided grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus made answer, Have you faith now?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered them, `Now do ye believe? lo, there doth come an hour,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered them: Do you now believe?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Context
This probing question sits between the disciples’ confident statements and Jesus’ solemn prediction of their scattering. It functions as a hinge from profession to reality. The next verse will describe how soon their belief will be tried and how they will leave Him alone—yet not alone, because the Father is with Him. This prepares for the final word of peace grounded in His victory, not their performance.
v.30Now 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.
v.31This passage
v.32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 13:38
Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
- Luke 9:44
Let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men.
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