John 16:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 16:3
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Chapter Context
John 16 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, salvation, redemption. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 16:3
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Analysis
They have not known the Father, nor me (οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὸν πατέρα οὐδὲ ἐμέ, ouk egnōsan ton patera oude eme)—the aorist tense of ginōskō (to know) points to their decisive failure to recognize God. This is relational knowledge, not mere information. Jesus identifies the root cause of religious persecution: ignorance of God's true character as revealed in Christ.
The tragic irony: those most zealous for God prove most ignorant of Him. This echoes John 1:10 ('the world knew him not'), 8:19 ('ye neither know me, nor my Father'), and 15:21 ('they know not him that sent me'). True knowledge of the Father necessarily includes knowing the Son, for Christ perfectly reveals the Father's nature (John 14:9). Religious activity without this knowledge produces persecutors, not worshipers.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism possessed the Scriptures, the temple, and zealous commitment to monotheism—yet missed the Messiah standing before them. This pattern would repeat throughout church history: the medieval Inquisition, Reformation-era martyrdoms, and modern persecution often perpetrated by the 'religious' who claim to defend God's honor while rejecting His Son.
Reflection
- How can you distinguish between knowing about God and truly knowing God through Christ?
- In what ways might religious tradition or zeal obscure rather than reveal the true character of God?
- How does Jesus's teaching guard you against both persecuting others and being embittered by persecution?