King James Version

What Does John 16:18 Mean?

John 16:18 in the King James Version says “They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.” — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 16:18 · KJV

Context

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?

20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 18 intensifies verse 17's confession: They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith (οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί λαλεῖ/ouk oidamen ti lalei). The repetition emphasizes their complete bewilderment. The verb λαλέω (laleō, "to speak") appears twice—they heard Christ's words but lacked understanding.

The double negative οὐκ οἴδαμεν (ouk oidamen, "we do not know") is emphatic denial of knowledge. Despite three years with Jesus, witnessing miracles, hearing teaching, the disciples still don't grasp redemption's central mystery: Christ's death and resurrection. This demonstrates human inability to comprehend spiritual truth apart from divine illumination (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The question τί ἐστιν (ti estin, "What is?") seeks definition, explanation, clarity. Yet some divine truths transcend human categories until God's appointed time. The disciples' frustration mirrors every believer's experience of walking by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)—trusting God's word even when understanding eludes us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This moment of confusion occurred in the Upper Room, possibly as they reclined at the Last Supper table or shortly after (John 13-17). The Passover context would have heightened expectation of messianic deliverance—this was the feast celebrating Israel's exodus liberation. Instead, Jesus speaks of departure and absence. The disciples' repeated questioning shows they debated among themselves, seeking to decode Jesus's meaning through mutual discussion. This reflects Jewish rabbinical methods where students would discuss the master's teaching. Yet spiritual truth requires more than intellectual analysis—the Spirit must open understanding (Luke 24:45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God's word seems unclear or His ways mysterious—with honest admission of confusion (like the disciples) or pretense of understanding?
  2. What does the disciples' inability to comprehend central gospel truths before the resurrection teach about the necessity of the Spirit's illumination?
  3. When is it appropriate to wrestle with difficult Scripture through discussion (as the disciples did), versus waiting for God to reveal understanding in His timing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
λέγει1 of 13

“They said”

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

οὖν2 of 13

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τοῦτο3 of 13

“this”

G5124

that thing

τί4 of 13

“What”

G5101

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

ἐστιν5 of 13

“is”

G2076

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

ὃ6 of 13
G3739

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

λέγει7 of 13

“They said”

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

τὸ8 of 13
G3588

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

μικρόν9 of 13

“A little while”

G3397

a small space of time or degree

οὐκ10 of 13
G3756

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

οἴδαμεν11 of 13

“tell”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τί12 of 13

“What”

G5101

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

λαλεῖ13 of 13

“he saith”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

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 16:18 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 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 24:25Matthew 16:9-11Hebrews 5:12

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