John 16:19

Authorized King James Version

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔγνω

G1097

knew

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οὖν

G3767

Now

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤθελον

G2309

they were desirous

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐρωτᾶν

G2065

to ask

to interrogate; by implication, to request

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

εἶπον

G2036

I said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#11

αὐτοῖς

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

Περὶ

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

#13

τούτου

G5127

that

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

#14

ζητεῖτε

G2212

Do ye enquire

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

#15

μετ'

G3326

among

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

#16

ἀλλήλων

G240

yourselves

one another

#17

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#18

εἶπον

G2036

I said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#19

μικρὸν

G3397

A little while

a small space of time or degree

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#22

θεωρεῖτέ

G2334

see

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

#23

με

G3165

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

#26

μικρὸν

G3397

A little while

a small space of time or degree

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#28

ὄψεσθέ

G3700

ye shall see

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#29

με

G3165

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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John 16:19

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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