John 16:18

18 What does he mean by ‘soon'? We don't understand what he's talking about."

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 Soon you won't be able to see me; soon after that, you will see me."

17 Some of Jesus' disciples said to each other, "What does he mean: ‘Soon you won't see me, and soon after that you will see me' and ‘Because I'm going to the Father'?

18 What does he mean by ‘soon'? We don't understand what he's talking about."

19 Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, so he said, “Are you trying to find out from each other what I meant when I said, ‘Soon you won't see me, and soon after that you will see me'?

20 I assure you that you will cry and lament, and the world will be happy. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.