John 16:4

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

But {G235} these things {G5023} have I told {G2980} you {G5213}, that {G2443} when {G3752} the time {G5610} shall come {G2064}, ye may remember {G3421} that {G3754} I {G1473} told {G2036} you {G5213} of them {G846}. And {G1161} these things {G5023} I said {G2036} not {G3756} unto you {G5213} at {G1537} the beginning {G746}, because {G3754} I was {G2252} with {G3326} you {G5216}.

But I have told you this, so that when the time comes for it to happen, you will remember that I told you. I didn’t tell you this at first, because I was with you.

But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

But these things have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, ye may remember them, how that I told you. And these things I said not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you.

John 16:4 is part of Jesus' profound Farewell Discourse, delivered to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. In this verse, Jesus explains His rationale for warning them about future hardships and persecution.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' direct warnings in John 16:1-3 about being "offended" and facing expulsion from synagogues, and even death, for His name's sake. The disciples, previously shielded by His physical presence, were about to enter a new phase of their ministry without Him. Jesus’ words here are not to alarm them unnecessarily, but to equip them mentally and spiritually for the challenges ahead, ensuring their faith would not falter when these difficult realities materialized.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foresight and Preparation: Jesus, knowing all things, prepares His disciples for what is to come. This demonstrates His love and concern, providing them with foreknowledge so they are not caught off guard.
  • Memory and Validation: The core purpose of these warnings is so that "when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them." This remembrance would validate Jesus' words, confirm their divine origin, and offer assurance during trials. It would prevent them from losing faith or feeling abandoned when persecution arose, reminding them that God was still in control and had foretold these very events.
  • Divine Timing of Revelation: Jesus explicitly states, "And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you." While He was physically present, His disciples' understanding was limited, and their need for such stark warnings was less immediate. His presence provided a form of protection and direct guidance. The deeper truths about suffering and the world's hatred were revealed only when His departure was imminent, and they would need to rely more fully on His words and the coming Holy Spirit.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at the beginning" refers to the earlier stages of Jesus' ministry. During that time, the disciples' focus was on learning fundamental truths, observing miracles, and understanding the Kingdom of God. The full weight of the opposition they would face was not yet a primary concern. The KJV's "when the time shall come" powerfully emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the predicted persecution.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' concern for His disciples' remembrance is echoed in His promise of the Holy Spirit, who would bring all things to their remembrance. The persecution Jesus forewarns them about is also consistent with His earlier statements about the world hating His followers, as seen in John 15:20: "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you."

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples, God often prepares us for future challenges through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Remembering God's promises and warnings during difficult times can strengthen our faith, provide comfort, and confirm that our experiences are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. It reminds us that our trials are not random, but often serve to deepen our reliance on Christ and validate His truth. We can trust in God's perfect timing for revealing truths and equipping us for every season of life, even when His physical presence is not visible.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 14:29

    And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

  • Mark 13:23

    But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

  • John 13:19

    Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].

  • John 17:12

    While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

  • John 17:13

    And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

  • Matthew 9:15

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  • Mark 2:19

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back