John 16:23

KJV

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250} ye shall {G3756} ask {G2065} me {G1691} nothing {G3762}. Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} Whatsoever {G3745}{G302} ye shall ask {G154} the Father {G3962} in {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686}, he will give {G1325} it you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“When that day comes, you won’t ask anything of me! Yes, indeed! I tell you that whatever you ask from the Father, he will give you in my name.

Berean Standard Bible

In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

American Standard Version

And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:23 unveils a profound shift in the believer's relationship with God, promising a new era of direct, unhindered access to the Father through the authority and identity of Jesus Christ. Delivered during Jesus' Farewell Discourse, this verse assures the disciples that after His ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, their mode of interaction would transition from questioning Jesus' physical presence to directly petitioning the Father, with the powerful assurance that such prayers, offered in Jesus' name, would be answered. It underscores the transformative impact of Christ's finished work on the nature of prayer and divine access.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 16:23 is nestled within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), a deeply intimate and instructive conversation with His disciples in the Upper Room. This discourse is characterized by Jesus preparing His followers for His imminent departure, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, as well as the subsequent coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples are troubled by His talk of leaving and their inability to follow Him immediately. Jesus addresses their confusion and sorrow, promising the Comforter (the Holy Spirit), clarifying their future relationship with the Father, and assuring them of continued access to divine power and guidance. Specifically, this verse follows Jesus' promise of joy after sorrow (John 16:20-22) and precedes further teaching on the Holy Spirit's role in guiding them into all truth (John 16:24-28). It marks a pivotal moment where Jesus redefines their prayer life in light of His completed mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, being devout Jews, were accustomed to a system of prayer and worship that often involved temple rituals, sacrifices, and the mediation of priests. While they had direct access to Jesus, the Son of God, their understanding of God the Father was still largely shaped by Old Testament paradigms. The concept of direct, personal access to the Father for all believers, without the need for a physical temple or a human high priest (other than Jesus Himself), was revolutionary. Jesus' impending physical absence would naturally cause anxiety. Culturally, asking a teacher or rabbi questions was common, but the idea of petitioning the ultimate divine authority directly, "in the name" of another, was a new paradigm. This verse anticipates the post-Pentecost era, where the Holy Spirit's indwelling would empower believers to live out this new reality of intimate communion with God, transcending previous limitations.
* **Key Themes:** John 16:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it introduces a **New Era of Prayer**, signaling a shift from the disciples' direct, physical interaction and questioning of Jesus to a new, direct access to the Father through Him. This is not a cessation of communication with Jesus but a reorientation of the primary mode of petition. Secondly, it emphasizes **Direct Access to the Father**, highlighting a profound relational transformation for believers. No longer mediated by a physical temple or specific rituals, believers gain intimate access to God the Father through the authority and identity of Jesus Christ, a concept foundational to the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **The Power and Authority of Jesus' Name**. Asking "in my name" is not a magical formula but signifies praying in accordance with Jesus' character, will, and purpose, as His representative. It means aligning one's desires with His divine plan, confirming that all spiritual blessings and access to God come *through* Christ. This promise echoes earlier assurances like those found in [John 14:13](/john/14-13 "John 14:13 - Asking in Jesus' Name") and [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Abiding and Answered Prayer"), reinforcing the centrality of Christ in all aspects of the believer's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ask (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This word (G2065) is used in the first clause, "ye shall ask me nothing." It primarily means "to interrogate" or "to ask a question," implying an inquiry or seeking information. In this context, it refers to the disciples' previous habit of asking Jesus for clarification on His teachings or future plans, a direct, pedagogical interaction. Jesus indicates that this form of questioning Him directly will cease in "that day," not because He will be inaccessible, but because the Holy Spirit will provide direct understanding and guidance, and their petitions will be directed to the Father.
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** In contrast to _erōtáō_, this word (G154) is used in the second clause, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father." _Aitéō_ typically denotes "to ask for something," "to beg," "to petition," or "to request." This semantic distinction is crucial: Jesus is not saying they will stop asking for things, but rather that the *object* and *mode* of their petitionary prayer will shift from questioning Him as a physical presence to petitioning the Father directly for needs and desires. This highlights the new, empowered access to God for supplication.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325), meaning "to give," "bestow," or "grant," is the powerful promise at the heart of the verse: "he will give [it] you." It signifies the Father's active and generous response to prayers offered in Jesus' name. The wide application of this word (properly or by implication, literally or figuratively) suggests a comprehensive divine provision, encompassing spiritual blessings, guidance, and the fulfillment of needs according to God's will. It underscores the Father's willingness to act on behalf of those who approach Him through His Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in that day ye shall ask me nothing."**: This opening clause marks a significant transition. "That day" refers to the post-resurrection and post-Pentecost era, when Jesus would no longer be physically present with His disciples, and the Holy Spirit would indwell them. The phrase "ask me nothing" (using _erōtáō_) signifies that the disciples' need to directly question Jesus for clarification, instruction, or future plans, as they had done throughout His ministry, would cease. This is not a prohibition against prayer to Jesus, but rather an indication that their primary mode of seeking understanding and making petitions would shift due to the Holy Spirit's guidance and their new, direct access to the Father.
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you,"**: This double affirmation, a characteristic Johannine phrase (Greek: _Amēn, amēn legō hymin_), serves as a solemn and emphatic declaration. It underscores the absolute truth, certainty, and profound importance of the statement that follows. Jesus uses this phrase to draw special attention to a foundational spiritual principle or a crucial revelation, ensuring His disciples grasp the weight of His words regarding their future prayer life.
* **"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,"**: This is the core promise and instruction. "Whatsoever" (Greek: _hósos án_) indicates the comprehensive scope of the promise, encompassing all legitimate requests. The critical element is "in my name." This is not a magical formula but signifies praying in alignment with Jesus' character, authority, will, and redemptive purpose. It means praying as His representative, with His endorsement, and for the advancement of His kingdom and glory. It implies a deep spiritual unity with Christ, where one's desires are conformed to His divine plan. The direct address to "the Father" highlights the new, intimate relationship believers have with God through Jesus.
* **"he will give [it] you."**: This is the divine assurance of answered prayer. The Father's willingness to "give" (Greek: _dídōmi_) is a direct consequence of asking "in Jesus' name." This promise is not a blank check for selfish desires but a guarantee that prayers consistent with God's will and offered through Christ's authority will be heard and answered. It speaks to the Father's benevolent nature and His desire to provide for His children, affirming the efficacy and power of prayer in the new covenant.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:23 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between two different Greek verbs for "ask" (_erōtáō_ and _aitéō_). This subtle yet significant distinction highlights the shift from asking Jesus questions (inquiries) to petitioning the Father for needs (requests), underscoring the new dynamic of prayer. The phrase "Verily, verily" (or "Truly, truly") functions as a powerful **Emphasis** or **Solemn Affirmation**, drawing the listener's attention to the profound truth being revealed and signaling the importance of the subsequent promise. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the post-ascension era and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which would facilitate this direct access to the Father. The concept of asking "in my name" can also be seen as **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the person, authority, character, and will of Jesus Himself, implying that prayer is effective when it aligns with who Christ is and what He desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:23 is a cornerstone of Christian theology concerning prayer, revealing the profound implications of Jesus' finished work for the believer's access to God. It establishes that through Christ, believers are granted direct, unhindered access to the Father, a privilege previously unimaginable for most. This access is not based on human merit but on the perfect mediation and authority of Jesus. The promise of answered prayer, when offered "in His name," underscores the Father's delight in His Son and His willingness to bless those who identify with Him. It transforms prayer from a ritualistic duty into an intimate, powerful communion, empowering believers to participate in God's redemptive purposes and experience His provision.

* [John 14:13](/john/14-13 "John 14:13 - Asking in Jesus' Name")
* [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Abiding and Answered Prayer")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:23 offers immense comfort and empowers believers to approach God with confidence and expectation. It dismantles any notion that we must earn God's ear or rely on human intermediaries. Instead, it affirms that through Jesus, we have a direct line to the Creator of the universe, our loving Father. This truth should revolutionize our prayer lives, moving us from hesitant whispers to bold petitions, from self-centered requests to kingdom-focused intercession. Understanding "in my name" as aligning with Christ's will challenges us to examine our motives and desires, ensuring our prayers are not merely for personal gain but for God's glory and the advancement of His purposes. The assurance that the Father "will give [it] you" cultivates perseverance in prayer, knowing that God delights to answer according to His perfect wisdom and love, even if the answer is not always what we initially expected. This verse calls us to a deeper intimacy with God, recognizing the incredible privilege of direct access purchased by Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the distinction between _erōtáō_ (asking questions) and _aitéō_ (making requests) change your perception of prayer to Jesus versus prayer to the Father?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to pray "in Jesus' name," beyond simply adding the phrase at the end of a prayer? How does this concept shape your desires and petitions?**
* **In what ways might you be limiting your prayer life by not fully embracing the direct access to the Father that Jesus promises in this verse?**
* **How does the assurance that the Father "will give it you" encourage you to pray with greater confidence and persistence, even when answers are delayed or different than expected?**

### FAQ

**What does "in that day" refer to in John 16:23?**

Answer: "In that day" refers to the period after Jesus' ascension to the Father and the subsequent coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Before this "day," the disciples had Jesus physically present with them, and they could directly ask Him questions and receive immediate instruction. After His departure, the Holy Spirit would come to indwell believers, guiding them into all truth and enabling a new, direct relationship with the Father. This phrase marks a pivotal shift from a period of direct, physical interaction with Jesus to a new era of spiritual communion and access to God through the Spirit and the Son's mediation.

**Why does Jesus say, "ye shall ask me nothing"? Does this mean Christians should not pray to Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "ye shall ask me nothing" (using the Greek word _erōtáō_) refers specifically to asking Jesus questions or seeking clarification from His physical presence, as the disciples often did. It does not mean believers should never pray to Jesus. Rather, it signifies a transition: the disciples would no longer need to inquire of Jesus as a physical teacher because the Holy Spirit would guide them (as promised in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and their primary petitions (_aitéō_) would be directed to the Father through Jesus' name. The New Testament clearly shows instances of prayer and worship directed to Jesus (e.g., [Acts 7:59](/acts/7-59 "Acts 7:59 - Stephen's Prayer to Jesus"); [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha")). The emphasis in John 16:23 is on the *new mode* of direct access to the Father, facilitated by Christ's work.

**What does it mean to ask "in my name"?**

Answer: Asking "in my name" is far more than a mere verbal formula. It means praying in accordance with Jesus' character, authority, will, and redemptive purpose. It implies a deep spiritual alignment with Christ, where our desires are conformed to His divine plan and glory. When we pray "in His name," we are effectively praying as His representatives, with His endorsement, and for the advancement of His kingdom. It signifies that our prayers are offered through His merit, His intercession, and His finished work on the cross, making them acceptable to the Father. This concept is foundational to understanding the power and efficacy of prayer in the Christian life, as seen in passages like [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' completed work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father. It is precisely because Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the sin of the world and became the perfect sacrifice that a new and living way to God was opened ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). His ascension did not remove Him from His disciples but inaugurated His role as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Eternal Priesthood")). Thus, when we ask the Father "in His name," we are not merely invoking a phrase but are drawing upon the infinite merit, authority, and intercession of Christ Himself. The promise that the Father "will give [it] you" is a direct consequence of Jesus' atoning work, which reconciled humanity to God and secured for believers the privilege of intimate sonship ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The "day" Jesus spoke of is the era of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent from the Father ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")), enabling believers to pray in alignment with God's will and experience the Father's generous provision through their union with His Son.

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 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.