John 16:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 16:17
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
Chapter Context
John 16 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, salvation, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 16:17
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
Analysis
The disciples' question—What is this that he saith unto us, A little while...? (τί ἐστιν τοῦτο...;/ti estin touto...?)—reveals honest confusion in the face of divine mystery. They verbatim repeat Jesus's words back to each other (λέγουσιν ἐξ ἀλλήλων/legousin ex allēlōn, "they said among themselves"), showing they heard but didn't understand.
The repetition of μικρόν (mikron, "a little while") three times in their question highlights their perplexity. Linear time (χρόνος/chronos) versus God's appointed time (καιρός/kairos) creates the confusion—what seems long to humans may be brief to God (2 Peter 3:8). They fixate on the paradox: how can Jesus be simultaneously absent and present?
We cannot tell what he saith (οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί λαλεῖ/ouk oidamen ti lalei)—honest admission of ignorance. The disciples' confusion demonstrates that even those closest to Jesus sometimes misunderstand His teaching. Spiritual illumination requires the Spirit's work, not mere physical proximity to Christ.
Historical Context
This verse captures a moment of profound human vulnerability on the eve of Jesus's passion. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27), expecting earthly messianic kingdom establishment. Now Jesus speaks of departure, brief absence, and return—concepts that shattered their eschatological framework. Their confusion reflects first-century Jewish messianic expectation, which anticipated permanent earthly reign, not death and resurrection. Only post-resurrection could they comprehend Jesus's words (John 2:22, Luke 24:25-27). The early church faced similar confusion about Christ's return—Paul addressed it in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Reflection
- When have you experienced confusion about God's timing or promises, and how did (or should) you respond to that uncertainty?
- What does the disciples' honest admission 'we cannot tell' teach about authentic discipleship versus pretending to understand what we don't?
- How does the disciples' confusion encourage believers who struggle to understand Scripture or God's ways?