John 16:30
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
Original Language Analysis
νῦν
Now
G3568
νῦν
Now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 20
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἶδας
are we sure
G1492
οἶδας
are we sure
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἶδας
are we sure
G1492
οἶδας
are we sure
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χρείαν
needest
G5532
χρείαν
needest
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
8 of 20
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχεις
G2192
ἔχεις
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πιστεύομεν
we believe
G4100
πιστεύομεν
we believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
16 of 20
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
John 21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
Historical Context
In rabbinic culture, teachers often answered questions to demonstrate wisdom. But Jesus's supernatural knowledge transcended human wisdom—He knew thoughts before they were spoken (Luke 6:8), future events (Matthew 26:34), and hidden sins (John 4:17-18). This divine omniscience repeatedly validated His claim to deity, yet the disciples' confession here would be tested when Jesus seemed defeated on the cross.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's omniscience (knowing all your thoughts, motives, and future) comfort or challenge you?
- What's the difference between intellectual belief in Jesus's divine knowledge and trust that endures through suffering?
- Why did the disciples' genuine faith still need testing and strengthening through the crucifixion and resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things (νῦν οἴδαμεν ὅτι οἶδας πάντα)—The disciples confess Jesus's omniscience, a divine attribute. The verb oidas (οἶδας) means intuitive, complete knowledge—Jesus doesn't need to ask questions to learn information; He already knows. This echoes John 2:25: "He knew what was in man."
And needest not that any man should ask thee (καὶ οὐ χρείαν ἔχεις ἵνα τίς σε ἐρωτᾷ)—Jesus had anticipated their questions (16:19) before they voiced them, demonstrating supernatural knowledge. The disciples recognize this isn't mere perceptiveness but divine foreknowledge.
By this we believe that thou camest forth from God (ἐν τούτῳ πιστεύομεν ὅτι ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐξῆλθες)—They conclude that such omniscience proves Jesus's divine origin. Their logic is sound—only God knows all things (1 John 3:20). Yet Jesus's response (v.31-32) suggests their faith, while genuine, remains untested and will soon falter under the cross's trauma.