John 16:29
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
Original Language Analysis
λέγεις
said
G3004
λέγεις
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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
Ἴδε
G1492
Ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
7 of 13
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
παῤῥησίᾳ
plainly
G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ
plainly
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
8 of 13
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παροιμίαν
proverb
G3942
παροιμίαν
proverb
Strong's:
G3942
Word #:
11 of 13
apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration
Historical Context
The disciples had been confused by Jesus's references to "a little while" (John 16:16-19), the woman in labor (16:21), and asking in His name (16:23-24). When He speaks directly about coming from the Father and returning to Him (16:28), they assume full understanding has arrived. This reflects the common human tendency to claim comprehension before truly possessing it—a tendency Jesus gently corrects in the following verses.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you claimed to understand spiritual truth only to realize later your grasp was superficial?
- What's the difference between intellectual comprehension of Jesus's words and Spirit-illuminated understanding?
- How does the disciples' premature confidence warn us against overestimating our own spiritual insight?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb (ἴδε νῦν παρρησίᾳ λαλεῖς καὶ παροιμίαν οὐδεμίαν λέγεις)—The disciples express relief that Jesus is finally speaking parrēsia (παρρησίᾳ), meaning openly, plainly, without figures or riddles. Earlier in the discourse (John 16:25), Jesus had acknowledged speaking in paroimiais (παροιμίαις)—proverbs, figures, veiled sayings. They believe the moment of clarity has arrived.
Yet their confidence proves premature. Within hours they would scatter in confusion (v.32), and even after resurrection they struggled to understand (Acts 1:6). Their claim to comprehension is sincere but shallow—they grasp Jesus's words intellectually but haven't yet experienced the Spirit's illumination that would come at Pentecost.