John 16:19

KJV

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G3767} Jesus {G2424} knew {G1097} that {G3754} they were desirous {G2309} to ask {G2065} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Do ye enquire {G2212} among {G3326} yourselves {G240} of {G4012} that {G5127}{G3754} I said {G2036}, A little while {G3397}, and {G2532} ye shall {G2334} not {G3756} see {G2334} me {G3165}: and {G2532} again {G3825}, a little while {G3397}, and {G2532} ye shall see {G3700} me {G3165}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you asking each other what I meant by saying, ‘In a little while, you won’t see me; and then, a little while later, you will see me’?

Berean Standard Bible

Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?

American Standard Version

Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:19 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ Upper Room discourse, revealing His divine omniscience as He perceives the disciples' unspoken confusion regarding His enigmatic statements about His imminent departure and return. This verse serves as a bridge, transitioning from their private bewilderment to Jesus' direct, compassionate clarification, underscoring His profound understanding of their hearts and His sovereign control over the unfolding events of redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 16:19 is situated within the profound and intimate Upper Room Discourse, spanning [John 13-17](/john/13 "John 13-17 - The Upper Room Discourse"), delivered by Jesus to His disciples just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. Specifically, it follows Jesus' perplexing statement in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Enigmatic 'Little While' Statement"): "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." This enigmatic declaration, particularly the repeated phrase "a little while," deeply troubled the disciples, prompting their internal discussion and confusion which Jesus immediately perceives and addresses in the present verse. The subsequent verses ([John 16:20-22](/john/16-20-22 "John 16:20-22 - Sorrow Turned to Joy")) then provide Jesus' full explanation, likening their sorrow to a woman in labor whose pain gives way to joy upon childbirth, thereby clarifying the meaning of the "little while" and foreshadowing the transformation of their grief into profound joy through His resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Upper Room in Jerusalem, likely during the Passover week, a time of intense religious fervor and nationalistic expectation among the Jewish people. The disciples, like most Jews, held a prevailing expectation of a conquering Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, overthrow Roman rule, and restore Israel's glory. Jesus' repeated allusions to His departure, death, and return, coupled with His emphasis on spiritual realities and the coming of the Holy Spirit (as seen in [John 14-16](/john/14 "John 14-16 - Jesus' Farewell Teachings")), directly challenged these deeply ingrained messianic expectations. Their confusion was not merely intellectual but deeply rooted in their cultural and theological framework, struggling to reconcile their hopes for an earthly king with a Messiah who spoke of leaving them and enduring suffering. This historical backdrop highlights the immense paradigm shift Jesus was attempting to convey, moving them from a temporal, political understanding of the kingdom to an eternal, spiritual one.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Omniscience**, a hallmark of Jesus' deity, as He knows the disciples' unspoken thoughts and questions before they articulate them ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus' Knowledge of All People")). Secondly, it highlights the **Disciples' Limited Understanding and Human Frailty**, demonstrating their struggle to grasp profound spiritual truths, particularly those involving suffering and paradox, a recurring motif throughout Jesus' ministry. Their confusion serves as a relatable example for all believers grappling with divine mysteries. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Sorrow Transformed into Joy**, as Jesus' subsequent explanation in [John 16:20](/john/16-20 "John 16:20 - The Promise of Joy") explicitly links their temporary grief over His departure to the ultimate, lasting joy of His resurrection and the coming of the Spirit. This thematic progression is central to the hope offered in the [Gospel of John](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This word signifies a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, not merely intellectual awareness. In [John 16:19](/john/16-19 "John 16:19 - Jesus' Omniscience"), it emphasizes Jesus' profound understanding of the disciples' internal state, their unspoken thoughts, desires, and confusion. It underscores His divine insight into the human heart, a consistent theme in John's Gospel where Jesus frequently demonstrates His perfect knowledge of humanity.
* **desirous (Greek, _thélō_):** This term denotes a strong inclination, a choice, or a preference arising from an active subjective impulse. Here, it describes the disciples' earnest wish or intention to ask Jesus for clarification, highlighting their internal struggle and their genuine desire for understanding, even if they were hesitant to voice it directly. Their desire was not idle curiosity but a deep longing to comprehend the perplexing words of their Lord.
* **enquire (Greek, _zētéō_):** While often meaning "to seek" in a general sense, in this context, it specifically refers to the act of investigating or seeking to understand something through questioning, often implying a diligent search for truth. Jesus' use of this word confirms that the disciples were not just passively confused but actively discussing and trying to figure out the meaning of His words among themselves, indicating their earnest, albeit frustrated, pursuit of clarity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' divine omniscience. He does not need to be told their thoughts or questions; He inherently knows their internal state, their confusion, and their desire for clarification. This highlights His unique nature as God, capable of perceiving the innermost workings of the human heart, a theme consistent throughout the [Gospel of John](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ").
* **"and said unto them,"**: This simple conjunction marks Jesus' direct response to their unspoken thoughts. He takes the initiative to address their confusion, demonstrating His compassionate leadership and His commitment to guiding His disciples towards understanding, even when they are hesitant to voice their struggles.
* **"‹Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?›"**: Jesus' rhetorical question directly confronts their internal discussion. He quotes His own perplexing statement from [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Enigmatic 'Little While' Statement"), confirming that He knows precisely what is troubling them. The repetition of "a little while" underscores the brevity of the periods of separation and reunion, setting the stage for His subsequent explanation of His death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This question is not for information, but to prompt their recognition that He is fully aware of their struggle.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:19 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Omniscience** is paramount, as Jesus' inherent knowledge of the disciples' unspoken thoughts ("Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him") powerfully underscores His divine nature, a recurring motif in John's Gospel. The verse also features a **Rhetorical Question** ("Do ye enquire among yourselves...?") which Jesus uses not to gain information, but to confirm His awareness of their confusion and to prompt their self-reflection and readiness for His forthcoming explanation. Furthermore, the verse builds upon the **Paradox** or **Enigma** introduced in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Enigmatic 'Little While' Statement") concerning seeing and not seeing Him, creating narrative tension that Jesus will resolve in the subsequent verses. This enigmatic language serves to provoke deeper thought and reveals truth progressively. Finally, there is subtle **Foreshadowing**, as the "not see me" points to His death and burial, while "see me" anticipates His resurrection appearances, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Passion Week.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:19 profoundly reinforces the deity of Christ through His demonstrated omniscience, revealing that Jesus is not merely a wise teacher but God incarnate, intimately aware of the deepest thoughts and struggles of His followers. This divine knowledge provides immense comfort, assuring believers that our questions, doubts, and unspoken anxieties are fully known to Him. The disciples' confusion, though born of limited human understanding, is met not with rebuke but with compassionate insight, setting the stage for Jesus to patiently unfold the mysteries of His departure and the glorious hope of His resurrection. This interaction highlights the divine-human dynamic, where God's perfect knowledge meets human imperfection, leading to revelation and deeper faith.

* [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus' Knowledge of All People")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:19 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating life's uncertainties. In moments of confusion, doubt, or unspoken anxiety, this verse assures us that Jesus knows our hearts completely. Just as He perceived the disciples' internal struggles before they voiced them, He understands our deepest fears, unasked questions, and the paradoxes we face. We are encouraged to bring our authentic selves, with all our uncertainties, before Him, knowing that He is not distant or unaware. This verse reminds us that even when God's plan seems perplexing or involves temporary sorrow, He is intimately acquainted with our journey and is working towards a greater, joyful outcome. It calls us to trust His sovereign knowledge and patient guidance, even when the path ahead is unclear, just as the disciples eventually came to understand the "little while" through the resurrection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unspoken questions or anxieties are you currently carrying that you believe Jesus already knows?**
* **How does Jesus' omniscience in this verse provide comfort or challenge your understanding of His relationship with you?**
* **In what "little while" moments of confusion or sorrow in your life have you experienced a subsequent "seeing" of God's purpose or a transformation to joy?**

### FAQ

**What does "a little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me" mean?**

Answer: This enigmatic statement, first made in [John 16:16](/john/16-16 "John 16:16 - Jesus' Enigmatic 'Little While' Statement") and repeated by Jesus in [John 16:19](/john/16-19 "John 16:19 - Jesus' Omniscience"), refers to two distinct but brief periods. The first "little while" refers to Jesus' imminent death, burial, and the period He would be physically absent from His disciples. This would cause them great sorrow. The second "little while" refers to His resurrection appearances to them shortly after His death, bringing them immense joy. Ultimately, it also points to His spiritual presence with them through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and His eventual return ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Ascension and Promise of Return")).

**Why were the disciples confused by Jesus' words?**

Answer: The disciples were confused primarily because Jesus' words contradicted their deeply ingrained expectations of the Messiah. They anticipated a conquering king who would establish an earthly kingdom and reign forever, not one who would speak of leaving them, dying, and then returning in a mysterious "little while." Their confusion stemmed from a literal interpretation of His words and a lack of understanding regarding the spiritual nature of His kingdom and the necessity of His atoning death and resurrection. Jesus' statements challenged their entire worldview, prompting their internal discussions and desire for clarification, which Jesus addresses in [John 16:19](/john/16-19 "John 16:19 - Jesus' Omniscience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:19, with Jesus' divine perception of His disciples' confusion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very events He foreshadows: His death, resurrection, and the subsequent sending of the Holy Spirit. The "little while, and ye shall not see me" was fulfilled in His crucifixion and burial, the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament and culminating in His atoning work on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). The "again, a little while, and ye shall see me" was gloriously fulfilled in His resurrection from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death and His power to give new life ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and New Life")). Furthermore, this promise extends to His ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through whom believers now experience His abiding presence and spiritual sight, seeing Him by faith even though He is physically at the Father's right hand ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Jesus' words, born of divine foreknowledge, are perfectly fulfilled in His redemptive work, transforming the disciples' temporary sorrow into an enduring joy rooted in His finished work and eternal presence.

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

John 16:30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

John 16:16

¶ 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.

John 14:19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

John 7:33

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and [then] I go unto him that sent me.

John 2:24

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John 13:33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.