King James Version

What Does John 16:17 Mean?

John 16:17 in the King James Version says “Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not s... — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

John 16:17 · KJV


Context

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?

18

They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

19

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples' question—What is this that he saith unto us, A little while...? (τί ἐστιν τοῦτο...;/ti estin touto...?)—reveals honest confusion in the face of divine mystery. They verbatim repeat Jesus's words back to each other (λέγουσιν ἐξ ἀλλήλων/legousin ex allēlōn, "they said among themselves"), showing they heard but didn't understand.

The repetition of μικρόν (mikron, "a little while") three times in their question highlights their perplexity. Linear time (χρόνος/chronos) versus God's appointed time (καιρός/kairos) creates the confusion—what seems long to humans may be brief to God (2 Peter 3:8). They fixate on the paradox: how can Jesus be simultaneously absent and present?

We cannot tell what he saith (οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί λαλεῖ/ouk oidamen ti lalei)—honest admission of ignorance. The disciples' confusion demonstrates that even those closest to Jesus sometimes misunderstand His teaching. Spiritual illumination requires the Spirit's work, not mere physical proximity to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse captures a moment of profound human vulnerability on the eve of Jesus's passion. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27), expecting earthly messianic kingdom establishment. Now Jesus speaks of departure, brief absence, and return—concepts that shattered their eschatological framework. Their confusion reflects first-century Jewish messianic expectation, which anticipated permanent earthly reign, not death and resurrection. Only post-resurrection could they comprehend Jesus's words (John 2:22, Luke 24:25-27). The early church faced similar confusion about Christ's return—Paul addressed it in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you experienced confusion about God's timing or promises, and how did (or should) you respond to that uncertainty?
  2. What does the disciples' honest admission 'we cannot tell' teach about authentic discipleship versus pretending to understand what we don't?
  3. How does the disciples' confusion encourage believers who struggle to understand Scripture or God's ways?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
εἶπον1 of 32

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν2 of 32

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐκ3 of 32

some 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

τῶν4 of 32
G3588

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

μαθητῶν5 of 32

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ6 of 32

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρὸς7 of 32

among

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους8 of 32

themselves

G240

one another

Τί9 of 32

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐστιν10 of 32

is

G2076

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

τοῦτο11 of 32

this

G5124

that thing

12 of 32
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγει13 of 32

that he saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἡμῖν14 of 32

unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

μικρὸν15 of 32

A little while

G3397

a small space of time or degree

καί16 of 32

and

G2532

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

οὐ17 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θεωρεῖτέ18 of 32

see

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

με19 of 32

me

G3165

me

καί20 of 32

and

G2532

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

πάλιν21 of 32

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

μικρὸν22 of 32

A little while

G3397

a small space of time or degree

καί23 of 32

and

G2532

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

ὄψεσθέ24 of 32

ye shall see

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

με25 of 32

me

G3165

me

καί26 of 32

and

G2532

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

Ὅτι27 of 32

Because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγὼ28 of 32

I

G1473

i, me

ὑπάγω29 of 32

go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

πρὸς30 of 32

among

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν31 of 32
G3588

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

πατέρα32 of 32

the Father

G3962

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


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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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