King James Version

What Does John 16:25 Mean?

John 16:25 in the King James Version says “These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, b... — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. proverbs: or, parables

John 16:25 · KJV


Context

23

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

25

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. proverbs: or, parables

26

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs (Ταῦτα ἐν παροιμίαις λελάληκα ὑμῖν/Tauta en paroimiais lelalēka hymin)—παροιμία (paroimia) means proverb, parable, figure of speech, enigmatic saying. Jesus's Upper Room discourse (John 13-17) contains profound truths presented symbolically: vine and branches (15:1-8), childbirth metaphor (16:21), "a little while" (16:16-19). The perfect tense λελάληκα (lelalēka, "have spoken") indicates completed action with ongoing effect—His teaching remains authoritative.

But the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs (ἔρχεται ὥρα ὅτε οὐκέτι ἐν παροιμίαις λαλήσω ὑμῖν/erchetai hōra hote ouketi en paroimiais lalēsō hymin)—the present tense ἔρχεται (erchetai, "is coming") indicates imminence. Post-resurrection appearances and especially Pentecost will bring clarity. Οὐκέτι (ouketi, "no more") promises an end to obscurity.

But I shall shew you plainly of the Father (ἀλλὰ παρρησίᾳ περὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἀπαγγελῶ ὑμῖν/alla parrēsia peri tou Patros apangelō hymin)—παρρησία (parrēsia) means boldness, frankness, plainness, openness. No more riddles—the Spirit will reveal the Father through Christ with clarity (John 14:9, 26; 16:13-15). The future ἀπαγγελῶ (apangelō, "I will declare") promises definite revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus taught in parables and figures that confused even His disciples (Mark 4:10-13, 34). He concealed truth from the proud while revealing it to the humble (Matthew 11:25). But after the resurrection, Jesus "opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:45). At Pentecost, the Spirit came to guide believers "into all truth" (John 16:13). The apostles' subsequent teaching—captured in epistles—shows remarkable clarity about Christ, the Father, salvation, and sanctification. What was enigmatic during Jesus's earthly ministry became luminous through the Spirit's illumination. Church history demonstrates progressive understanding of biblical truth as the Spirit guides each generation deeper into Christ's revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of plain revelation through the Spirit encourage you when Scripture seems obscure or difficult to understand?
  2. What is the relationship between Jesus's parabolic teaching during His earthly ministry and the Spirit's post-Pentecost illumination?
  3. In what ways do you experience the Spirit's work of showing you 'plainly of the Father' through Scripture and prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ταῦτα1 of 22

These things

G5023

these things

ἐν2 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παροιμίαις3 of 22

proverbs

G3942

apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration

λαλήσω4 of 22

I shall

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὑμῖν5 of 22

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀλλὰ6 of 22

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἔρχεται7 of 22

cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὥρα8 of 22

the time

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ὅτε9 of 22

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

οὐκ10 of 22
G3756

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

ἔτι11 of 22

no more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ἐν12 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παροιμίαις13 of 22

proverbs

G3942

apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration

λαλήσω14 of 22

I shall

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὑμῖν15 of 22

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀλλὰ16 of 22

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

παῤῥησίᾳ17 of 22

plainly

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

περὶ18 of 22

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ19 of 22
G3588

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

πατρὸς20 of 22

the Father

G3962

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

ἀναγγελῶ21 of 22

I shall shew

G312

to announce (in detail)

ὑμῖν22 of 22

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 16:25 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 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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