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 John 16:5
KJVBut now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
Read it in context
Opposition and the Comforter's work
Start reading at John 16:1 (John 16:1 to John 16:15).
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 warns of persecution and explains the coming work of the Comforter so the disciples will not be overcome by events.
- 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
- 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
- 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
- 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
- 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
- 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
- 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
- 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
- 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
- 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
- 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
- 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
- 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
- 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
- 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 14:1–16:33): Jesus addresses His disciples in the farewell teaching after Judas's departure, answering questions from Thomas, Philip, and Judas who is not Iscariot. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Opposition and the Comforter's work. Read John 16:1 through John 16:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus warns of persecution and explains the coming work of the Comforter so the disciples will not be overcome by events. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Opposition and the Comforter's work (John 16:1 to John 16:15). Start reading at John 16:1. 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.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 16:1, John 16:15, 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
- I John 16:10,16,28 John 6:62 John 7:33 John 13:3 John 14:28 John 17:4,13 Eph 4:7-11 Heb 1:3
- Whither John 13:36 John 14:4-6
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
Sorrow turned to joy
John 16:16–24FocusSeparation 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 16:25–33FocusConfidence 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.
John
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
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.