King James Version
What Does John 16:25 Mean?
“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”
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
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(25) **These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs.**—Better, as in the margin, . . . *in parables.* So in the second clause of the verse and in John 16:29. (Comp. Note on John 10:6.) “These things” refers specially to what He had just said from John 16:16 onwards. There is a sense in which it is necessarily true of all Christ’s teaching, and of all teaching in words. They are but parables until the truth which they contain has been thought out by the man that hears them. For the disciples much of Christ’s teaching remained in a parabolic form, until the Spirit brought all things which He had said to the mind, and quickened their minds so that they could grasp its meaning. (Comp. *e.g.,* John 2:20-22.)
**But the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs.**—For “proverbs,” read *parables,* as in last verse. For the time referred to, comp. John 16:16; John 16:23. In that time He will be present with them in the Advocate, and will no longer need parables or words, but will, to the depth of their spirit, communicate to them in all fulness and plainness the eternal truth of the Father (John 16:13 *et seq.*)*.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge