John 16:18

KJV

They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

KJV (with Strong's)

They said {G3004} therefore {G3767}, What {G5101} is {G2076} this {G5124} that {G3739} he saith {G3004}, A little while {G3397}? we cannot {G3756}{G1492} tell {G1492} what {G5101} he saith {G2980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went on saying, “What is this ‘little while’? We don’t understand what he’s talking about.”

Berean Standard Bible

They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.”

American Standard Version

They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:18 vividly portrays the disciples' profound confusion and bewilderment in response to Jesus' enigmatic statements about His impending departure and subsequent return. As part of His Farewell Discourse, this verse captures their struggle to reconcile their earthly expectations of a conquering Messiah with the spiritual realities of His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension, highlighting their limited understanding prior to the transformative outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 16:18 is nestled within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), a crucial section where Jesus prepares His disciples for His imminent departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the persecution they will face. Specifically, it immediately follows Jesus' perplexing declaration in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Departure and Return"): "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father." The disciples' internal dialogue and subsequent question in [John 16:17](/john/16-17 "John 16:17 - Disciples' Confusion") reveal their inability to grasp the spiritual implications of Jesus' words, focusing instead on the literal, temporal aspect of His absence and presence. Their open admission of confusion in [John 16:18](/john/16-18 "John 16:18 - Disciples' Bewilderment") sets the stage for Jesus' further clarification in the verses that follow, where He explains the sorrow that will turn into joy, likening it to a woman in childbirth ([John 16:19-22](/john/16-19-22 "John 16:19-22 - Sorrow Turned to Joy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, as first-century Jews, operated within a cultural framework deeply shaped by the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, overthrow Roman oppression, and restore Israel's glory. Their understanding of "seeing" Jesus was primarily physical, tied to His visible presence as their teacher and leader. The concept of a Messiah who would suffer, die, and then return in a spiritual or resurrected form was alien to their prevailing messianic expectations. Furthermore, the setting is the Passover week, a time of intense nationalistic and religious fervor, which likely heightened their anticipation of a political, rather than spiritual, deliverance. Their bewilderment underscores the vast chasm between their human, temporal understanding and God's eternal, redemptive plan, which included the cross and resurrection as foundational events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ"). First, it highlights the **disciples' bewilderment and limited understanding** of Jesus' divine mission and the spiritual nature of His kingdom. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples frequently misunderstand Jesus' parabolic teachings or prophetic statements, demonstrating their need for divine illumination, which would ultimately come through the Holy Spirit. Second, the phrase "a little while" introduces the theme of **imminent separation and subsequent reunion**. This refers primarily to the period between Jesus' crucifixion and His resurrection, but also prophetically to His ascension and the eventual outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which would usher in a new form of His presence. Finally, the disciples' confusion implicitly underscores the theme of **the necessity of the Holy Spirit's illumination**. Jesus had promised the "Spirit of truth" who would "guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and "bring all things to your remembrance" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")). Their current inability to comprehend foreshadows the profound transformation that Pentecost would bring to their understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō_ G3004):** This primary verb signifies to "lay forth" or relate in words, often implying a systematic or set discourse. Here, it describes the disciples' collective expression of confusion, indicating they were trying to articulate their shared bewilderment in response to Jesus' structured (though to them, unclear) teaching. It's not a mere utterance, but an attempt to process and voice their lack of comprehension.
* **little while (Greek, _mikrón_ G3397):** Derived from the adjective "mikros" (small), this noun form denotes a small space of time or degree. Its repetition by Jesus in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Departure and Return") and its echoing by the disciples here emphasizes its significance as the core point of their confusion. They are fixated on the temporal aspect, unable to grasp the deeper spiritual reality it signifies concerning Jesus' death and resurrection.
* **tell (Greek, _eídō_ G1492):** This verb, used here in the negative ("we cannot tell"), primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, in its perfect tense, "to know" or "understand." The disciples' statement "we cannot tell what he saith" (literally, "we do not know what he is saying") indicates a complete lack of intellectual and spiritual comprehension. They are not merely unable to articulate it, but fundamentally unable to grasp the meaning of Jesus' words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They said therefore":** This phrase indicates that the disciples' statement is a direct response, a logical (from their perspective) consequence of Jesus' preceding words in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Departure and Return"). It highlights their collective internal processing and shared bewilderment, leading them to voice their confusion aloud.
* **"What is this that he saith, A little while?":** This is a rhetorical question born of deep perplexity. The disciples are specifically honing in on the phrase "a little while," which Jesus had repeated. Their question reveals their inability to reconcile the concept of Jesus' temporary absence and return with their understanding of His continuous presence as the Messiah. They are struggling with the timing and nature of His departure and return.
* **"we cannot tell what he saith":** This is a frank admission of their utter incomprehension. It signifies not just a lack of clarity, but a complete inability to discern the meaning or implications of Jesus' words. This statement underscores their spiritual immaturity and the profound gap between Jesus' divine perspective and their human, earthly understanding, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent explanation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Rhetorical Question** and **Repetition** to underscore the disciples' profound confusion. The question "What is this that he saith, A little while?" is not asked for information, but to express their bewilderment and inability to comprehend. It highlights their internal struggle to process Jesus' enigmatic words. The **Repetition** of "a little while" by the disciples (echoing Jesus' use in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Departure and Return")) emphasizes the specific point of their perplexity and their fixation on the temporal aspect of Jesus' statement, rather than its deeper spiritual meaning. This also creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, with the benefit of hindsight, understands the meaning of Jesus' words (His death, resurrection, and ascension), while the disciples remain in the dark.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' confusion in John 16:18 serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of human understanding when confronted with divine truth, especially before the full revelation of God's plan. Their struggle to grasp Jesus' "little while" of absence and return foreshadows the profound theological shift from a physically present Messiah to one who is spiritually present through the Holy Spirit. This moment highlights the necessity of divine illumination for spiritual comprehension, a truth central to the New Covenant. It also underscores the theme of God's timing, where understanding often unfolds progressively, sometimes only in retrospect after events have transpired.

* [John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus' Departure Foretold")
* [John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Seeing Jesus Again")
* [1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Believing Without Seeing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' candid admission of confusion in John 16:18 offers a deeply relatable human moment within the divine narrative. It reminds us that faith is not always about perfect comprehension, but about trust even when understanding is elusive. Just as the disciples grappled with the "little while" of Jesus' departure, we too encounter seasons of uncertainty, waiting, or trials where God's plan seems unclear or His timing perplexing. This verse encourages us to lean into Christ even when the path forward is obscured, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory. Our spiritual growth often occurs not in moments of clarity, but in the crucible of confusion, where our reliance shifts from our own intellect to the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to patience, humility, and persistent prayer, knowing that God's full revelation often unfolds in His perfect timing, transforming our sorrow into joy and our confusion into profound insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a "little while" of confusion or uncertainty in your own spiritual journey, and how did you navigate it?**
* **How does the disciples' initial lack of understanding encourage you to be patient with your own spiritual growth and the growth of others?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and illumination when you encounter difficult or confusing passages in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so confused by Jesus' words in John 16:18?**

Answer: The disciples were confused primarily because their understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom was predominantly earthly and political, not spiritual. They expected Jesus to establish an immediate, visible, and enduring kingdom on earth, overthrowing Roman rule. Therefore, Jesus' talk of "a little while" until He would be gone and then "a little while" until they would see Him again ([John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Departure and Return")) directly contradicted their expectations of His continuous, physical presence as their King. They couldn't fathom how He could leave, suffer, and die, only to return in a way they didn't yet comprehend (resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit). Their confusion highlights the human difficulty in grasping divine plans that transcend our immediate understanding and expectations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:18, though depicting the disciples' bewilderment, inherently points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' "little while" of absence and return was not merely a cryptic statement but a profound prophecy of His atoning work. The "not seeing" referred to His crucifixion and burial, where He was physically removed from their sight, bearing the sins of the world as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The subsequent "seeing" was fulfilled in His glorious resurrection, where He conquered death and emerged victorious, appearing to His disciples as the risen Lord ([John 20:19-20](/john/20-19-20 "John 20:19-20 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")). This period also encompasses His ascension to the Father, where He took His rightful place at God's right hand as the exalted King and High Priest ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). Furthermore, the "seeing" also alludes to the spiritual presence He would maintain through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom He promised to send as the Comforter and Guide ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Ultimately, the disciples' confusion foreshadows the profound truth that Christ's temporary physical absence was necessary for the greater, more pervasive reality of His spiritual presence in believers and His ultimate, glorious return as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), bringing full and final redemption.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 24:25

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Hebrews 5:12

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Matthew 16:9

Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

Matthew 16:11

How is it that ye do not understand that I spake [it] not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?