King James Version

What Does John 16:32 Mean?

John 16:32 in the King James Version says “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: a... — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. his own: or, his own home

John 16:32 · KJV


Context

30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

31

Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. his own: or, his own home

33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come (ἰδοὺ ἔρχεται ὥρα καὶ ἐλήλυθεν)—"The hour" (ἡ ὥρα) throughout John's Gospel refers to Jesus's passion—His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and glorification (John 2:4, 7:30, 12:23, 13:1, 17:1). The perfect tense "is now come" (ἐλήλυθεν) indicates it has arrived and is imminent.

That ye shall be scattered, every man to his own (ἵνα σκορπισθῆτε ἕκαστος εἰς τὰ ἴδια)—The verb "scattered" (σκορπισθῆτε/skorpisthēte) fulfills Zechariah 13:7: "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered" (quoted in Mark 14:27). Within hours, all the disciples would flee in terror (Matthew 26:56), abandoning Jesus.

And shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me (καὶ ἐμὲ μόνον ἀφῆτε· καὶ οὐκ εἰμὶ μόνος, ὅτι ὁ πατὴρ μετ' ἐμοῦ ἐστιν)—Despite human abandonment, Jesus affirms the Father's presence. Yet on the cross, even this communion would be eclipsed when Jesus bore sin and cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). That absolute desolation—experiencing the full weight of divine wrath against sin—was the deepest suffering of Calvary.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples' scattering fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and demonstrated the weakness of human resolve apart from the Spirit. Their courage returned only after resurrection and Pentecost (Acts 2-4). This pattern—failure under trial, restoration through grace—characterizes Christian experience. The Father's presence with Jesus, and Jesus's later promise of the Spirit's presence with believers (John 14:16-18), grounds Christian perseverance not in human strength but divine faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's prediction of the disciples' failure and His calm acceptance model grace toward our own spiritual weaknesses?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus faced abandonment by both human disciples and (at the cross) the Father, and how does this shape our understanding of His suffering?
  3. How does the promise of the Father's presence sustain you in times when human support fails?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἰδού,1 of 26

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐλήλυθεν2 of 26

come

G2064

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

ὥρα3 of 26

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ4 of 26

and

G2532

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

νῦν5 of 26

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐλήλυθεν6 of 26

come

G2064

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

ἵνα7 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σκορπισθῆτε8 of 26

ye shall be scattered

G4650

to dissipate, i.e., (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal

ἕκαστος9 of 26

every man

G1538

each or every

εἰς10 of 26

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ11 of 26
G3588

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

ἴδια12 of 26

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

καὶ13 of 26

and

G2532

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

ἐμὲ14 of 26

me

G1691

me

μόνος15 of 26

alone

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

ἀφῆτε·16 of 26

shall leave

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

καὶ17 of 26

and

G2532

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

οὐκ18 of 26

not

G3756

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

εἰμὶ19 of 26

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

μόνος20 of 26

alone

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

ὅτι21 of 26

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

22 of 26
G3588

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

πατὴρ23 of 26

the Father

G3962

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

μετ'24 of 26

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ25 of 26

me

G1700

of me

ἐστιν26 of 26

is

G2076

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


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 16:32 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 16:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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