John 16:5
But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
Original Language Analysis
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 15
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ὑπάγεις
I go my way
G5217
ὑπάγεις
I go my way
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
3 of 15
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψαντά
him that sent
G3992
πέμψαντά
him that sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
6 of 15
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐδεὶς
none
G3762
οὐδεὶς
none
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
John 13:36Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.John 7:33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.John 16:28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.John 17:4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.John 16:10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Historical Context
This occurs chronologically after Peter's earlier question in John 13:36 ('Lord, whither goest thou?'). Hours had passed, and the disciples' initial curiosity had given way to overwhelming grief. Jesus was preparing them to understand that His departure—through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—was not defeat but the necessary path to Pentecost and the Spirit's coming.
Questions for Reflection
- When has your sorrow over circumstances blinded you to God's larger purposes?
- How does understanding Jesus's ascension to the Father transform your perspective on His 'absence' from earth?
- What questions should you be asking Jesus about His work and will, rather than dwelling on your own discomfort?
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Analysis & Commentary
I go my way to him that sent me (ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πέμψαντά με, hypagō pros ton pempsanta me)—the present tense hypagō (I am going) emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of Jesus's departure via cross, resurrection, and ascension. The Father is consistently described as 'the one having sent me' (perfect participle pempsanta), underscoring Christ's mission and divine origin.
None of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?—Peter had asked this earlier (13:36), but now grief has silenced inquiry. Jesus gently rebukes their self-absorbed sorrow: instead of asking about His destination and purpose, they're consumed with their own loss. True discipleship requires looking beyond personal discomfort to Christ's glory and sovereign purposes. His 'going' was not tragedy but triumph—returning to the Father who sent Him.