John 16:25

KJV

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things {G5023} have I spoken {G2980} unto you {G5213} in {G1722} proverbs {G3942}: but {G235} the time {G5610} cometh {G2064}, when {G3753} I shall {G2980} no more {G3765} speak {G2980} unto you {G5213} in {G1722} proverbs {G3942}, but {G235} I shall shew {G312} you {G5213} plainly {G3954} of {G4012} the Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I have said these things to you with the help of illustrations; however, a time is coming when I will no longer speak indirectly but will talk about the Father in plain language.

Berean Standard Bible

I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.

American Standard Version

These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 16:25, Jesus prepares His disciples for a profound shift in divine revelation. He acknowledges that His teachings thus far have been conveyed in figurative language and veiled expressions, akin to "proverbs" or enigmatic sayings. However, He promises a future "time" when this indirect communication will cease, and He will instead reveal the Father to them "plainly," signifying a direct, unambiguous, and unhindered understanding of God's nature and His redemptive plan. This declaration anticipates the transformative clarity that would follow His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive [Farewell Discourse](/john/13-1-17-26 "John 13-17 - Jesus' Farewell Discourse"), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion. Chapters 13-17 of John's Gospel capture Jesus' most intimate and profound teachings, designed to prepare His closest followers for His imminent departure, the challenges they would face, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Leading up to this verse, Jesus has spoken cryptically about His going away (e.g., [John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus' Departure")), the world's hatred, and the disciples' impending sorrow that would turn to joy ([John 16:20-24](/john/16-20-24 "John 16:20-24 - Sorrow Turned to Joy")). The disciples, still grappling with the implications of His words, particularly concerning His death and resurrection, often misunderstood or struggled to grasp the full spiritual depth of His message. Jesus' promise in [John 16:25](/john/16-25 "John 16:25 - From Proverbs to Plain Speaking") directly addresses their current limited comprehension, offering a future hope of greater clarity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, particularly within rabbinic teaching, the use of parables, allegories, and enigmatic sayings (mashal, in Hebrew, which can be translated as proverb, parable, or riddle) was a common pedagogical method. This approach often required interpretation and deeper reflection, allowing truths to unfold progressively as the hearer matured in understanding. Jesus frequently employed such methods, as seen throughout the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 13](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parables of the Kingdom")). The disciples, though familiar with this teaching style, were still operating within a framework that anticipated a literal, earthly kingdom and a conquering Messiah, making it difficult for them to fully grasp Jesus' spiritual teachings about His suffering, death, and the nature of the Father. The intimate setting of the Upper Room, away from the crowds, allowed for more personal and direct instruction, yet even here, Jesus recognized the need for a future unveiling of truth that their current state could not yet bear.

* **Key Themes:** [John 16:25](/john/16-25 "John 16:25 - From Proverbs to Plain Speaking") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Progressive Revelation**. Jesus explicitly states a transition from speaking "in proverbs" (figurative, indirect language) to speaking "plainly" (direct, unambiguous communication). This points to a deeper, more mature understanding of divine truth that would be granted to the disciples. Secondly, this promised clarity is intrinsically linked to the **Ministry of the Holy Spirit**. While not explicitly named in this verse, the Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send (e.g., [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")), is the divine agent who would empower the disciples to recall Jesus' words, illuminate their meaning, and guide them into all truth. Thirdly, the ultimate purpose of this plain speaking is to "shew you plainly of the Father," underscoring the theme of **Intimacy with the Father**. Jesus' entire mission was to reveal the Father (as seen in [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")), and this verse promises an even greater, unhindered knowledge of God post-resurrection. Finally, the verse offers **Future Clarity and Confidence** to the disciples, providing hope and assurance amidst their confusion and sorrow, anticipating a time when their understanding would be transformed, enabling them to boldly proclaim the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverbs (Greek, _paroimía'_):** G3942. From a compound of *pará* (alongside) and perhaps a derivative of *oíomai* (to suppose); apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e. (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration. In John's Gospel, *paroimía* refers to figurative speech, allegories, or obscure sayings that require interpretation, contrasting with direct, literal communication. Jesus' use of this term indicates that His teachings, while true, were not yet fully transparent to the disciples.
* **speak (Greek, _laléō'_):** G2980. A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words. This verb describes the act of verbal communication. Its repetition in the verse ("I have spoken," "I shall no more speak") highlights the continuity of Jesus' teaching ministry, but with a promised change in its mode of delivery—from veiled to unveiled.
* **plainly (Greek, _parrhēsía'_):** G3954. From *pâs* (all) and a derivative of *rhéō* (to flow); all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance. This word signifies speaking without concealment, ambiguity, or fear. The transition from *paroimía* to *parrhēsía* marks a significant shift in the disciples' ability to comprehend divine truth, moving from riddles to clear understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs:"** Jesus refers to the teachings He has just delivered and, more broadly, throughout His ministry. The phrase "in proverbs" (Greek: *en paroimíais*) indicates that His communication has been characterized by figurative language, parables, and indirect statements, which, while containing truth, were not yet fully transparent or comprehensible to the disciples. This reflects their current spiritual immaturity and inability to grasp the full implications of His mission.
* **"but the time cometh,"** This phrase signals a definite future event or period. It introduces a pivotal moment of transition, indicating that Jesus' current mode of teaching is temporary and will be superseded by a new, more direct way of revealing truth. This "time" is implicitly linked to His impending death, resurrection, and the subsequent advent of the Holy Spirit.
* **"when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs,"** This clause emphasizes the cessation of the veiled, enigmatic teaching method. It signifies that the need for indirect communication will pass, as the disciples' capacity for understanding will be transformed. This is not merely a change in Jesus' communication style but a change in the disciples' spiritual receptivity.
* **"but I shall shew you plainly of the Father."** This is the climactic promise. The Greek word for "shew" (*anangéllō*) means to announce in detail or declare. Coupled with "plainly" (*parrhēsía*), it denotes a direct, unambiguous, and unhindered revelation. The ultimate subject of this plain revelation is "the Father," indicating a deeper, more intimate, and unclouded knowledge of God's character, nature, and redemptive purposes, made possible through Jesus' finished work and the Spirit's illumination.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting "speaking in proverbs" against "shewing plainly." This antithesis highlights a dramatic shift in the mode of divine revelation, emphasizing the transition from veiled understanding to clear comprehension. The verse also functions as a **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus predicts a future transformation in His disciples' understanding, anticipating the clarity that would come after His resurrection and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Furthermore, the term "proverbs" itself can be seen as a form of **Metaphor** or **Figurative Language**, describing Jesus' teaching method as being characterized by such devices. Finally, the verse serves as a powerful **Promise** and **Assurance** to the disciples, offering hope that their current confusion would give way to profound insight into the nature of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:25 stands as a pivotal statement on the nature of divine revelation, echoing the broader biblical narrative of God progressively unveiling Himself to humanity. Prior to Christ, God often communicated through types, shadows, prophecies, and the Law, which, while true, were not the full and final revelation. Jesus, as the Incarnate Word, brought a new level of clarity, but even His earthly ministry, constrained by the disciples' immaturity and the timing of His redemptive work, involved a degree of veiled truth. This verse promises the ultimate unveiling, a post-resurrection and post-Pentecost era where the Father's nature and plan would be fully illuminated through Christ and by the Spirit. It underscores the Trinitarian nature of revelation: the Father revealed by the Son, understood through the Spirit. This clarity is not merely intellectual but relational, leading to a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God.

* [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father"): "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
* [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides Into All Truth"): "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
* [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Revelation in His Son"): "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:25 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. We live in the "time" Jesus spoke of, an era inaugurated by His resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel message, once veiled in prophecy and type, is now revealed with glorious clarity through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. This means we have direct access to the truth about God the Father, not through cryptic sayings, but through the illuminated Scriptures and the indwelling Spirit. This verse encourages us to continually seek deeper understanding of God, trusting that the Holy Spirit is our divine teacher, guiding us into all truth and helping us apply it to our lives. It also reminds us of our privilege and responsibility to proclaim this "plain" Gospel to a world that often grapples with spiritual ambiguity. Our witness should be characterized by the very "plainness" and "boldness" that Jesus promised, making the Father known through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has the Holy Spirit helped you understand God's truth more clearly in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your faith or understanding of God do you still seek greater clarity, and how might you pursue that "plain" revelation?**
* **Considering Jesus' promise to "shew you plainly of the Father," how can you, as a believer, more effectively and "plainly" communicate the nature of God to those around you?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "proverbs" here?**

Answer: In this context, "proverbs" (Greek: *paroimía*) refers not merely to short, pithy sayings, but to figurative language, allegories, enigmatic statements, or veiled teachings that require interpretation. Jesus has been speaking in ways that hint at deeper truths rather than stating them directly, often because the disciples were not yet ready to grasp the full implications of His message, particularly concerning His suffering, death, and the spiritual nature of His kingdom. This contrasts with the "plainly" (*parrhēsía*) speaking He promises for the future.

**When did Jesus begin to "shew plainly of the Father"?**

Answer: The "time" Jesus refers to begins after His resurrection and, crucially, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While Jesus' post-resurrection appearances certainly brought clarity to His identity and mission, it was the Holy Spirit's arrival that fully empowered the disciples to understand Jesus' words, recall His teachings, and grasp the profound truth about the Father that Jesus had revealed. The Spirit illuminated the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, enabling the disciples to preach the Gospel with boldness and clarity, thereby "showing plainly of the Father" to the world. This ongoing work of the Spirit continues to illuminate the Scriptures for believers today, providing clear understanding of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "plain" revelation of the Father, for as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Son Reveals the Father") declares, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." Jesus' entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection are the definitive and unambiguous unveiling of God's character, love, justice, and redemptive plan. The "proverbs" of the Old Testament—its types, shadows, and prophecies—are made clear in Him. His death on the cross, His triumphant resurrection, and His ascension to the Father's right hand are the events that remove the veil, making possible the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who then empowers believers to comprehend these truths. Through the Spirit, believers can now behold "the glory of the Lord with open face" ([2_corinthians/3-18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Beholding the Glory of the Lord")), understanding that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" ([colossians/1-15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Thus, the promise to "shew you plainly of the Father" is fulfilled in the ongoing revelation of God through Christ, illuminated by the Spirit, leading believers into an ever-deepening, intimate knowledge of the Triune God.

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 16:12

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

John 16:28

¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

John 16:29

His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

John 10:6

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Matthew 13:34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Mark 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?