John 16:26
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
Original Language Analysis
ἐκείνῃ
that
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
2 of 20
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 20
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματί
name
G3686
ὀνόματί
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
7 of 20
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
the Father
G3962
πατέρα
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
18 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
- How does Christ's finished work change our confidence in approaching God compared to Old Testament believers?
- In what ways does this verse balance Christ's ongoing intercession with our direct access to the Father?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.