John 16:12
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Original Language Analysis
πολλὰ
many things
G4183
πολλὰ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 10
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
λέγειν
to say
G3004
λέγειν
to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὐ
ye cannot
G3756
οὐ
ye cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
7 of 10
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
Cross References
Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:Mark 4:33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.John 15:15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this Thursday night before crucifixion. The disciples still expected an earthly messianic kingdom and couldn't yet comprehend the necessity of the cross, the nature of the church, or the mystery of the Gentiles' inclusion. These truths would come later through the Spirit's illumination, particularly to Paul. The apostolic writings contain the 'many things' Jesus left unsaid but which the Spirit revealed (1 Corinthians 2:9-13).
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual truths might God be withholding from you currently because you're not yet ready to 'bear' them?
- How does Jesus's progressive revelation principle inform how you should disciple new believers?
- In what ways has the Holy Spirit revealed truths to you that you couldn't have understood earlier in your Christian walk?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have yet many things to say unto you (ἔτι πολλὰ ἔχω ὑμῖν λέγειν, eti polla echō hymin legein)—Jesus acknowledges the incompleteness of His disciples' training. The ye cannot bear them now (ἀλλ᾽ οὐ δύνασθε βαστάζειν ἄρτι, all' ou dynasthe bastazein arti) uses bastazō, meaning to bear a burden or weight. The disciples lacked the spiritual capacity to endure fuller revelation.
This demonstrates Christ's pedagogical wisdom: truth must be given according to the learner's ability to receive it. The verb bastazō suggests more than intellectual understanding—it's the ability to carry the weight of revelation without collapsing under it. Before the Spirit's indwelling, certain truths would crush rather than strengthen them. This explains progressive revelation: God discloses truth in proportion to His people's readiness, building precept upon precept. The Spirit would later guide them into 'all truth' (verse 13).