John 16:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G3568} are we sure {G1492} that {G3754} thou knowest {G1492} all things {G3956}, and {G2532} needest {G5532} not {G3756}{G2192} that {G2443} any man {G5100} should ask {G2065} thee {G4571}: by {G1722} this {G5129} we believe {G4100} that {G3754} thou camest forth {G1831} from {G575} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now we know that you know everything, and that you don’t need to have people put their questions into words. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

Berean Standard Bible

Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:30 marks a pivotal moment in the disciples' journey of faith, as they confidently declare their conviction in Jesus' divine omniscience and origin. Following Jesus' plain speaking about His return to the Father and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples perceive that He knows their unspoken questions and deepest thoughts, leading them to affirm His unique, supernatural knowledge and His direct procession from God. This declaration signifies a significant, albeit still developing, understanding of Jesus' true identity as the Son of God, setting the stage for the challenging events of His passion and resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' Farewell Discourse, delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion, spanning [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Foot Washing") through [John 16](/john/16 "John 16 - The Work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus' Return"). Throughout this extended teaching, Jesus has been preparing His disciples for His imminent departure, the persecution they will face, and the empowering advent of the Holy Spirit. He has often spoken in parables and veiled language, but in the immediate preceding verses ([John 16:25-29](/john/16-25-29 "John 16:25-29 - Jesus Speaks Plainly")), Jesus explicitly states, "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father." The disciples' declaration in [John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") is their direct, astonished response to Jesus' remarkable ability to discern and answer their unspoken questions, confirming His divine insight and prompting their confident affirmation of His identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish culture, a rabbi's wisdom was highly valued, but the ability to know unspoken thoughts or to discern the hidden intentions of the heart was considered a divine attribute, belonging solely to God ([1 Kings 8:39](/1_kings/8-39 "1 Kings 8:39 - God Knows the Heart"); [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")). The disciples, steeped in this tradition, would have recognized Jesus' intuitive knowledge as far surpassing mere human wisdom or prophetic insight. Their declaration, "Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee," reflects their understanding that Jesus possessed a quality reserved for the Almighty. This realization would have profoundly impacted their perception of His claims to divine sonship and His unique relationship with the Father, moving Him beyond the category of merely a great teacher or prophet.
* **Key Themes:** [John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' Omniscience**, a hallmark of His divine nature. The disciples' recognition that Jesus "knowest all things" (Greek: _oida panta_) points to His inherent, intuitive, and complete knowledge, not gained through learning, but as an intrinsic attribute of His deity. Secondly, this verse highlights **Jesus' Divine Origin and Authority**. The disciples' conclusion, "by this we believe that thou camest forth from God," directly affirms Jesus' pre-existence and His unique mission as the Son sent by the Father, echoing Jesus' own consistent claims about His divine source and authority throughout the Gospel, such as in [John 8:42](/john/8-42 "John 8:42 - Jesus' Divine Origin"). Lastly, it illustrates the **Developing Faith of the Disciples**. While this moment represents a significant leap in their understanding and a confident confession of faith, Jesus' immediate response in the subsequent verses ([John 16:31-32](/john/16-31-32 "John 16:31-32 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering")) reveals the fragility of their "now" belief, foreshadowing their scattering and abandonment of Him during His arrest and crucifixion, indicating that their faith still required the strengthening work of the Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, G1492, properly means "to see" (literally or figuratively), but in the perfect tense (as used here), it implies "to know." It denotes an inherent, intuitive, and complete knowledge, not knowledge gained through learning or experience. When the disciples declare that Jesus "knowest all things," they are attributing to Him a divine quality of absolute and comprehensive understanding, extending even to their unspoken thoughts and questions.
* **ask (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb, G2065, means "to interrogate" or, by implication, "to request" or "to pray." The disciples' statement, "needest not that any man should ask thee," highlights Jesus' unique ability to perceive their needs and questions without them being verbally articulated. It signifies that His knowledge is so profound and immediate that there is no need for formal inquiry; He already comprehends their innermost thoughts and concerns.
* **camest forth (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** Derived from "ek" (out of) and "erchomai" (to come), this verb, G1831, means "to issue forth" or "to come out." In this context, it speaks to Jesus' divine origin and procession from God. The disciples' belief that Jesus "camest forth from God" is a profound theological affirmation that He is not merely a human prophet or teacher, but one who originates directly from the Father, emphasizing His pre-existence and divine mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now are we sure that thou knowest all things":** This clause expresses the disciples' newfound certainty and conviction. The Greek word for "sure" (G1492, _eídō_) is the same as "knowest," emphasizing their intuitive grasp of Jesus' omniscience. They are convinced, not by external evidence alone, but by Jesus' direct and plain speaking, which revealed His inherent knowledge of their unasked questions. This is a declaration of Jesus' divine attribute of knowing everything, including the secrets of their hearts.
* **"and needest not that any man should ask thee":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of Jesus' knowledge. It implies that His understanding is so complete and immediate that there is no necessity for anyone to pose a question to Him. He anticipates their thoughts and concerns, rendering formal inquiry redundant. This underscores His unique, divine perception that transcends human limitations.
* **"by this we believe that thou camest forth from God":** This final clause presents the disciples' conclusion based on Jesus' demonstrated omniscience. The phrase "by this" (G5129, _toútōi_) refers to His ability to know all things and their unspoken questions. This supernatural knowledge serves as undeniable proof for them, leading to the belief that Jesus' origin is divine, that He "camest forth" (G1831, _exérchomai_) directly "from God" (G2316, _theós_). This is a foundational confession of Jesus' pre-existence and divine sonship.

#### Literary Devices
[John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Confession** or **Declaration**, as the disciples collectively vocalize their newfound conviction about Jesus' divine nature. This is a moment of **Epiphany** for them, a sudden and profound realization of truth, contrasting sharply with their earlier confusion and veiled understanding. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** present, as the disciples' confident "Now are we sure... by this we believe" is immediately followed by Jesus' gentle but firm challenge in [John 16:31-32](/john/16-31-32 "John 16:31-32 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering"), where He predicts their scattering and abandonment of Him. This juxtaposition highlights the still-fragile nature of their faith, despite their intellectual breakthrough, foreshadowing the trials that will test their belief and the subsequent need for the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' declaration in [John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") is a profound theological statement affirming Jesus' divine attributes. Their recognition of His omniscience and His divine origin links directly to the Old Testament understanding of God's unique knowledge of the heart and His transcendent nature. This confession is a crucial step in the disciples' theological development, moving them beyond seeing Jesus merely as a prophet or Messiah in a human sense, to acknowledging Him as truly God incarnate. It underscores the foundational Christian doctrine of Jesus' deity, without which His redemptive work would lack ultimate efficacy. This moment also highlights the intimate and personal nature of Jesus' relationship with His followers, as He knows them completely, even their unspoken thoughts, offering immense comfort and assurance to believers throughout history.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Matthew 6:8](/matthew/6-8 "Matthew 6:8 - God Knows Our Needs")
* [Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for our faith. To know that Jesus "knowest all things" means that no prayer is too small, no thought too hidden, and no struggle too complex for Him to comprehend. He understands our deepest longings, our unspoken fears, and our most profound joys, even before we articulate them. This truth invites us to a deeper level of intimacy and trust in our relationship with Him, knowing that we are fully seen and fully known by our Savior. Furthermore, the disciples' conclusion that Jesus' omniscience proves His divine origin strengthens our conviction in His deity. Our salvation rests on the truth of who Jesus is—the Son of God, fully aware, fully capable, and fully committed to our redemption. This verse encourages us to continually grow in our understanding of Christ's nature, allowing His divine attributes to deepen our worship, strengthen our hope, and empower our witness in a world that desperately needs to know the One who truly knows all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that Jesus "knowest all things" impact your prayer life and your willingness to share your deepest concerns with Him?**
* **In what ways does the disciples' confession that Jesus "camest forth from God" strengthen your personal faith in His divine nature?**
* **Considering Jesus' immediate prediction of the disciples' scattering, what does this verse teach us about the difference between intellectual assent to truth and resilient, Spirit-empowered faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "needest not that any man should ask thee" mean in John 16:30?**

Answer: This phrase highlights Jesus' divine omniscience. It means that Jesus possesses such complete and intuitive knowledge that there's no need for His disciples, or anyone, to formally ask Him questions. He already knows their thoughts, their unspoken inquiries, and their needs. This demonstrates His inherent, divine understanding that transcends human limitations, reinforcing the idea that He is more than just a wise teacher; He is God incarnate, who knows the hearts and minds of all.

**How does John 16:30 relate to Jesus' deity?**

Answer: [John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") provides strong evidence for Jesus' deity. The disciples' declaration that Jesus "knowest all things" attributes to Him an attribute that the Old Testament consistently reserves for God alone (e.g., [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")). Their subsequent conclusion, "by this we believe that thou camest forth from God," directly links His supernatural knowledge to His divine origin. This moment is a clear confession by His closest followers that Jesus is not merely a human prophet or Messiah, but one who shares the very nature and attributes of God, having come directly from the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, the ultimate revelation of the Father's wisdom and knowledge. The disciples' confession that Jesus "knowest all things" points directly to His divine nature, a truth foundational to the New Testament's understanding of who Christ is. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus embodies the fullness of God's wisdom and knowledge, a theme echoed by Paul, who declares that in Christ are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in Christ")). His omniscience, demonstrated by knowing the disciples' unspoken questions, is not merely an impressive feat but a necessary attribute for Him to be the perfect High Priest who "sympathizes with our weaknesses" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) and the righteous Judge who "will judge the living and the dead" ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge")). Furthermore, their belief that He "camest forth from God" anticipates the full revelation of His redemptive mission: His voluntary descent from heaven to accomplish salvation ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) and His eventual return to the Father to intercede for believers ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Thus, the disciples' dawning realization in [John 16:30](/john/16-30 "John 16:30 - Disciples' Confession of Faith") serves as a vital stepping stone toward the comprehensive Christology that defines the Christian faith, where the omniscient Son of God is also the crucified and risen Savior.

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 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

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 16:17

Then said [some] of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

John 5:20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.