John 16:18

18 They said therefore, "What is this that He saith, `A little while'? We cannot tell what He saith."

John 16:18 Meaning and Commentary

John 16:18

They said therefore
One, and all of them; the inquiry became universal;

what is this that he saith, a little while?
it seems as if this phrase was the most intricate and perplexing to them; for whatever conceptions they might have of not seeing, and seeing him again, as expressive of his going from them, and returning to them, yet had no notion at all what he should mean by "a little while": and therefore add,

we cannot tell what he saith:
they knew his words, but not his meaning.

John 16:18 In-Context

16 A little while, and ye shall not see Me; and again a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father."

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'?"

18 They said therefore, "What is this that He saith, `A little while'? We cannot tell what He saith."

19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous of asking Him, and said unto them, "Do ye inquire among yourselves of what I said, `A little while, and ye shall not see Me; and again a little while, and ye shall see Me'?

20 Verily, verily I say unto you that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.