John 16:18
They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
This moment of confusion occurred in the Upper Room, possibly as they reclined at the Last Supper table or shortly after (John 13-17). The Passover context would have heightened expectation of messianic deliverance—this was the feast celebrating Israel's exodus liberation. Instead, Jesus speaks of departure and absence. The disciples' repeated questioning shows they debated among themselves, seeking to decode Jesus's meaning through mutual discussion. This reflects Jewish rabbinical methods where students would discuss the master's teaching. Yet spiritual truth requires more than intellectual analysis—the Spirit must open understanding (Luke 24:45).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God's word seems unclear or His ways mysterious—with honest admission of confusion (like the disciples) or pretense of understanding?
- What does the disciples' inability to comprehend central gospel truths before the resurrection teach about the necessity of the Spirit's illumination?
- When is it appropriate to wrestle with difficult Scripture through discussion (as the disciples did), versus waiting for God to reveal understanding in His timing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 18 intensifies verse 17's confession: They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith (οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί λαλεῖ/ouk oidamen ti lalei). The repetition emphasizes their complete bewilderment. The verb λαλέω (laleō, "to speak") appears twice—they heard Christ's words but lacked understanding.
The double negative οὐκ οἴδαμεν (ouk oidamen, "we do not know") is emphatic denial of knowledge. Despite three years with Jesus, witnessing miracles, hearing teaching, the disciples still don't grasp redemption's central mystery: Christ's death and resurrection. This demonstrates human inability to comprehend spiritual truth apart from divine illumination (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The question τί ἐστιν (ti estin, "What is?") seeks definition, explanation, clarity. Yet some divine truths transcend human categories until God's appointed time. The disciples' frustration mirrors every believer's experience of walking by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)—trusting God's word even when understanding eludes us.