John 16:31
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 6
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 6
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 6
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This brief, pointed question reflects Jesus's role as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep (John 10:14). He doesn't crush their fragile faith but prepares them for impending failure and subsequent restoration. Peter's denials, Thomas's doubts, and the disciples' fear behind locked doors (John 20:19) all confirm Jesus's gentle warning here. Yet all were eventually restored—Peter most explicitly (John 21:15-19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's question challenge superficial or untested faith that hasn't yet faced trials?
- What's the difference between intellectual assent to Christ's identity and faith that endures suffering and disappointment?
- How does Jesus's patient questioning here model pastoral care for believers with weak or immature faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? (ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς Ἰησοῦς Ἄρτι πιστεύετε;)—Jesus's question is both gentle and probing. The adverb "now" (arti/ἄρτι) can mean "just now" or "at this moment," with a hint of irony—"So now you believe?" Their confident confession (v.30) will be tested within hours. The present tense "believe" (πιστεύετε) might imply ongoing faith, yet Jesus knows it will momentarily falter.
This isn't doubt about their salvation but pastoral realism about immature faith. They believe truly but not yet deeply. The crucifixion will shatter their expectations and scatter them (v.32), yet post-resurrection faith will be stronger, grounded not in their understanding but in the risen Christ and the Spirit's power.