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John 16:24

KJV

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Read it in context Sorrow turned to joy
Start reading at John 16:16 (John 16:16 to John 16:24). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Jesus prepares the disciples for a coming interval of grief and joy, connecting their future asking with His name.

  1. 16:16 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.
  2. 16:17 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?
  3. 16:18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
  4. 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
  5. 16:20 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.
  6. 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  7. 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  8. 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
  9. 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: John 16:16, John 16:24, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31

Who wrote it, and how we know

John the apostle Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them. John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated

There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

John 16

The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.

John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31

Opposition and the Comforter's work
John 16:1–15

FocusPreparation for Jesus' departure

Connection to the wholeJesus warns of persecution and explains the coming work of the Comforter so the disciples will not be overcome by events.
interpretation
Sorrow turned to joy
John 16:16–24 You are here · 16:24

FocusSeparation and renewed access

Connection to the wholeJesus prepares the disciples for a coming interval of grief and joy, connecting their future asking with His name.
interpretation
Peace amid scattering
John 16:25–33

FocusConfidence grounded in Jesus

Connection to the wholeThe disciples' claim to understand is answered with a warning of their scattering, yet Jesus grounds their peace in His overcoming the world.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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