John 16:30

30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

John 16:30 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
30 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."
New Living Translation (NLT)
30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
30 Now we know that you know everything - it all comes together in you. You won't have to put up with our questions anymore. We're convinced you came from God."
American Standard Version (ASV)
30 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.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
30 Now we know that you know everything. You don't need to wait for questions to be asked. Because of this, we believe that you have come from God."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
30 Now we know that You know everything and don't need anyone to question You. By this we believe that You came from God."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
30 Now we can see that you know everything. You don't even need anyone to ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."

John 16:30 Meaning and Commentary

John 16:30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things
Not only all men, but all things, even the secrets of men's hearts, of which the apostles had now a convincing proof; for whereas Christ had delivered some expressions, ( John 16:16 ) ; which they did not understand, and were desirous to ask him the meaning of, ( John 16:19 ) ; which he knowing, being God omniscient, prevents their putting the question to him, and enters upon a discourse, in which he so clearly explained what they wanted to be informed of, without their asking him, that they were fully assured that he must know all things;

and,
as they add,

needest not that any man should ask thee:
the meaning is, that should Christ deliver anything not so intelligible to any of his audience, and they were desirous of knowing the sense of it, there would be no need of putting the question in form to him, since he is privy to the first motion of desire rising up in the mind; and can, and will, if he thinks fit, explain himself on such an head, to the satisfaction of the person, without ever asking him; at least there is no need of putting the question to make him acquainted with his desire, this being before known unto him. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God; was the true Messiah, and had his mission and commission from God, as such; doubtless they believed this before, but this instance of Christ's omniscience was a strengthening proof of it. So Nathanael, by Christ's saying to him, that before Philip called him, and when he was under the fig tree, he saw him when he thought no eye did but an omniscient one; it laid him under such full convictions of him, as at once to acknowledge him the Son of God, the King of Israel. This is one of the signs and characters of the Messiah with the Jews, that he should have a discerning spirit of men and things, according to ( Isaiah 11:3 ) F3.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 93. 2.

John 16:30 In-Context

28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.
30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Kings 17:24
  • 2. ver 27; S John 13:3
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.