John 16:18

18 They also asked, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."

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 "After a little while you will not see me, and then after a little while you will see me again."

17 Some of the followers said to each other, "What does Jesus mean when he says, 'After a little while you will not see me, and then after a little while you will see me again'? And what does he mean when he says, 'Because I am going to the Father'?"

18 They also asked, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."

19 Jesus saw that the followers wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking each other what I meant when I said, 'After a little while you will not see me, and then after a little while you will see me again'?

20 I tell you the truth, you will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but your sadness will become joy.