John 16:18

18 Therefore they said, What is this that he saith to us, A little? we know not what he speaketh.

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, and then ye shall not see me; and again a little, and ye shall see me, for I go to the Father.
17 Therefore some of his disciples said together, What is this thing that he saith to us, A little, and ye shall not see me; and again a little, and ye shall see me, for I go to the Father?
18 Therefore they said, What is this that he saith to us, A little? we know not what he speaketh.
19 And Jesus knew, that they would ask him, and he said to them, Of this thing ye seek among you, for I said, A little, and ye shall not see me; and again a little, and ye shall see me.
20 Truly, truly, I say to you, that ye shall mourn and weep, but the world shall have joy; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall turn into joy.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.