King James Version

What Does John 16:26 Mean?

John 16:26 in the King James Version says “At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:” — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 16:26 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

28

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Read John 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At that day ye shall ask in my name (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου αἰτήσετε)—Jesus points forward to Pentecost and the new covenant era when believers would pray directly to the Father through Christ's mediatorial work. The phrase en tō onomati mou (in my name) means far more than invoking a formula; it means praying on the basis of Christ's person, work, and authority, as those united to Him.

I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you—This doesn't mean Christ ceases interceding (He remains our advocate, 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25), but that His finished work opens direct access to the Father. Believers need not approach God through earthly mediators; Christ's once-for-all sacrifice grants boldness to enter the holiest (Hebrews 10:19-22). The Father's love for believers, rooted in His love for the Son, makes their prayers welcome.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs in the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17), hours before Jesus's arrest. The disciples were accustomed to Jewish prayer patterns—synagogue prayers, Temple rituals, and scribal mediation. Jesus announces a radical shift: post-resurrection prayer would be characterized by direct access to the Father through the Son's name. The phrase "at that day" refers to the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), when the church age would begin and believers would experience unprecedented intimacy with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to pray "in Jesus's name"—is it merely a closing formula, or does it involve praying according to His character, will, and authority?
  2. How does Christ's finished work change our confidence in approaching God compared to Old Testament believers?
  3. In what ways does this verse balance Christ's ongoing intercession with our direct access to the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐν1 of 20

“At”

G1722

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

ἐκείνῃ2 of 20

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ3 of 20
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ4 of 20

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐν5 of 20

“At”

G1722

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

τῷ6 of 20
G3588

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

ὀνόματί7 of 20

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου8 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

αἰτήσεσθε9 of 20

“ye shall ask”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

καὶ10 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ11 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

λέγω12 of 20

“I say”

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

ὑμῖν13 of 20

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι14 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγὼ15 of 20

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐρωτήσω16 of 20

“will pray”

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

τὸν17 of 20
G3588

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

πατέρα18 of 20

“the Father”

G3962

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

περὶ19 of 20

“for”

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

ὑμῶν·20 of 20

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) 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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:34John 17:9John 17:24John 17:19John 16:23John 14:16

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