John 16:17

John 16:17, in plain English

The disciples whisper to each other: what does He mean, 'a little while'? And this about going to the Father? They are completely lost.

Why it's here

It is okay to be confused by what God is doing. The disciples did not understand either, and they were sitting right next to Jesus. Understanding comes with time.

Who's speaking

The disciples talk among themselves, trying to decode Jesus' words.

Where it sits in the story

Imagine the confused whispers around the table. 'What does He mean?' 'A little while?' 'Going to the Father?' They are trying to make sense of something that will only become clear in hindsight. Sometimes faith means walking forward even when you don't understand.

The scholarly reading

The disciples discuss among themselves, repeating Jesus' puzzling words about the 'little while' and His going to the Father. Their private conversation reveals genuine confusion rather than pretended understanding.

Language and setting

The repetition of Jesus' words in the disciples' mouths highlights their opacity. The disciples cannot yet integrate Jesus' departure and return into a coherent framework because they lack the post-resurrection perspective.

Voice

The disciples speak among themselves, trying to make sense of Jesus' cryptic statement.

Significance

The disciples huddle together, whispering in confusion, repeating Jesus' puzzling words back to each other. They cannot decode the 'little while' or reconcile Jesus' departure with His promise of return. Their bewilderment is honest and deeply human.

15Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you.

16In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.”

17Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”

18They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.”

19Aware 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’?

Read all of John 16 — Jesus warns of persecution and promises the Spirit of truth. A woman in labor forgets her anguish when the child arrives — and so will they.