King James Version

What Does John 16:15 Mean?

John 16:15 in the King James Version says “All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

John 16:15 · KJV


Context

13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

17

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All things that the Father hath are mine (πάντα ὅσα ἔχει ὁ Πατήρ ἐμά ἐστιν/panta hosa echei ho Patēr ema estin)—Jesus declares absolute equality with the Father. The emphatic πάντα (panta, "all things") encompasses divine attributes, authority, glory, knowledge, and power. This is deity language, affirming Christ's full divinity.

The present tense ἔχει (echei, "has") and ἐστιν (estin, "are") indicate permanent, eternal reality—not something granted temporally but intrinsic to Christ's divine nature. The possessive ἐμά (ema, "mine") shows complete mutual indwelling and shared essence between Father and Son.

Therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you—the δια τοῦτο (dia touto, "therefore") connects the Spirit's work to Christ's deity. Because all the Father's fullness dwells in Christ (Colossians 2:9), the Spirit revealing Christ's truth is simultaneously revealing the Father. The Spirit draws from Christ's inexhaustible riches to illumine believers—progressive sanctification involves growing knowledge of Christ's infinite glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the context of first-century Jewish monotheism, Jesus's claim that "all things that the Father hath are mine" was explosive—potential blasphemy unless true. Earlier, Jesus had declared "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30), provoking an attempt to stone Him for making Himself equal with God. This verse reaffirms that equality while explaining the Spirit's economy: the Spirit reveals the Son, who reveals the Father. The doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three persons sharing one undivided essence—was developed by the early church from statements like this.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's claim to possess all that the Father has establish His deity, and why is this essential to salvation?
  2. What does it mean that the Spirit reveals Christ, who reveals the Father—how does this Trinitarian economy shape Christian knowledge of God?
  3. Since Christ possesses all the Father's fullness, what does this imply about the inexhaustible nature of spiritual growth and knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
πάντα1 of 18

All things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὅσα2 of 18

that

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἔχει3 of 18

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ5 of 18

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐμά6 of 18

mine

G1699

my

ἐστιν·7 of 18

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

διὰ8 of 18
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο9 of 18

therefore

G5124

that thing

εἶπον10 of 18

said I

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅτι11 of 18

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ12 of 18

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμοῦ14 of 18
G1700

of me

λήψεται,15 of 18

he shall take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ16 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀναγγελεῖ17 of 18

shall shew

G312

to announce (in detail)

ὑμῖν18 of 18

it unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 16:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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