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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 16:16 In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/16-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/43_Jhn_16_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 16:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit " /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/16-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/16-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/16-15.htm" title="John 16:15">◄</a> John 16:16 <a href="/john/16-17.htm" title="John 16:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jesus went on to say, &#8220In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />A little <i>while</i> and you behold Me no longer; and again a little <i>while</i> and you will see Me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“A little while, and you no longer <i>are going to</i> see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“A little while, and you will no longer behold Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220A little while and you will no longer see Me; again a little while and you will see Me.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A little while, and ye behold me no more; and again a little while, and ye shall see me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus told his disciples, "For a little while you won't see me, but after a while you will see me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A little while, and ye behold me no more; and again a little while, and ye shall see me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"In a little while you won't see me anymore. Then in a little while you will see me again."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"In a little while you will not see me any more, and then a little while later you will see me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In a little while you will no longer see me, then in a little while you will see me again."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me, because I am going away to the Father.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In a little while you will see me no longer; again after a little while, you will see me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A little while, and you will no longer see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"A little while and you see me no more, and again a little while and you shall see me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />a little while, and you do not behold Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go away to the Father.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />A little <i>while</i> and you behold Me no longer; and again a little <i>while</i> and you will see Me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> a little while, and ye do not behold me, and again a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go away unto the Father.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A little while, and ye see me not: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, and because I retire to the Father.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A little while, and now you shall not see me; and again a little while, and you shall see me: because I go to the Father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A little while, and then you will not see me. And again a little while, and you will see me. For I am going to the Father.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A little while, and you will not see me; and again a little while, and you will see me, because I am going to the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“A little while and you will not see me; again a little while and you will see me because I am going to the presence of The Father.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />A little while, and you will not see me; and again, a little while, and you will see me, be cause I go to the Father.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>A little while, and ye see me no more; again a little while, and ye shall see me.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />A little while longer, and ye shall not see me: and again a little while, and ye shall see me, because I am going to the Father.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again, because I am going to the father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"A little while and you see me no more, and again a little while and you shall see me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>A little while, and ye no longer behold Me; and again a little while, and ye will see Me."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>A little while and ye shall not see me: and again a little while and ye shall see me, because I am going to the Father.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/16-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5779" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">The Promise of the Holy Spirit </a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: Mikron (Adj-ANS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">In a little while</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2334.htm" title="2334: theōreite (V-PIA-2P) -- From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).">you will see</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me</a> <a href="/greek/3765.htm" title="3765: ouketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.">no more,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">then</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikron (Adj-ANS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">after a little while</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: opsesthe (V-FIM-2P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">you will see</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-19.htm">John 14:19</a></span><br />In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-33.htm">John 7:33</a></span><br />So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-33.htm">John 13:33</a></span><br />Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-3.htm">John 14:3</a></span><br />And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-22.htm">John 16:22</a></span><br />So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-19.htm">John 20:19-20</a></span><br />It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. / After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-26.htm">John 20:26</a></span><br />Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-3.htm">Acts 1:3</a></span><br />After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-40.htm">Acts 10:40-41</a></span><br />God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen— / not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Hebrews 9:28</a></span><br />so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">1 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-7.htm">Matthew 28:7-10</a></span><br />Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.” / So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. / Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-16.htm">Matthew 28:16-17</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. / When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-7.htm">Mark 16:7</a></span><br />But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-5.htm">John 16:5,10,17-19</a></b></br> But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-33.htm">John 7:33</a></b></br> Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and <i>then</i> I go unto him that sent me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35</a></b></br> Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.</p><p class="hdg">a little while.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/20-19.htm">John 20:19-29</a></b></br> Then the same day at evening, being the first <i>day</i> of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace <i>be</i> unto you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/21-1.htm">John 21:1-23</a></b></br> After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he <i>himself</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/1-3.htm">Acts 1:3</a></b></br> To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:</p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-28.htm">John 16:28</a></b></br> I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-3.htm">John 13:3</a></b></br> Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5,13</a></b></br> And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/14-19.htm">Little</a> <a href="/john/16-4.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/16-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/john/16-17.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">John 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/16-1.htm">Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/16-23.htm">assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/16-33.htm">Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In a little while you will see Me no more</b><br>This phrase refers to the imminent departure of Jesus through His crucifixion and death. The "little while" indicates the short time remaining before these events unfold. Historically, this was a period of great tension and anticipation in Jerusalem, as the Passover festival was approaching. Theologically, this moment is pivotal, as it marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53). Jesus' departure is necessary for the completion of His redemptive work, as He must die to atone for the sins of humanity. This phrase also foreshadows the disciples' impending grief and confusion, as they will soon be without their Teacher and Lord.<p><b>and then after a little while you will see Me.</b><br>This part of the verse points to Jesus' resurrection, which occurs three days after His crucifixion. The "little while" here signifies the brief period between His death and resurrection. Theologically, the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over sin and death (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-4</a>). It fulfills Jesus' own predictions of His rising again (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-22</a>) and serves as a type of the ultimate resurrection believers will experience. Culturally, the resurrection was a radical claim in the Jewish context, where the concept of an individual rising from the dead before the end times was not widely accepted. This event would transform the disciples' sorrow into joy and empower them to spread the Gospel, as seen in the Book of Acts.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about His impending death, resurrection, and eventual ascension.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' words, they are confused and troubled by His statements about leaving and returning.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events are taking place, significant as the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crucifixion.htm">The Crucifixion</a></b><br>The event that will soon cause the disciples not to see Jesus, as He will be taken from them and crucified.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_resurrection.htm">The Resurrection</a></b><br>The event that will allow the disciples to see Jesus again, as He will rise from the dead and appear to them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_jesus'_timing.htm">Understanding Jesus' Timing</a></b><br>Jesus' reference to "a little while" challenges us to trust in God's timing, even when it is not immediately clear to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_promise_of_resurrection.htm">The Promise of Resurrection</a></b><br>Jesus' words assure us of the reality of the resurrection, offering hope and encouragement in times of loss and separation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_expectation.htm">Living in Expectation</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to live in anticipation of Jesus' return, maintaining faith and readiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Presence of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>While Jesus physically left the disciples, He sent the Holy Spirit to be with them, and us, as a constant presence and guide.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_trials.htm">Endurance Through Trials</a></b><br>The disciples' experience reminds us that periods of spiritual darkness or confusion are temporary and will be followed by renewed clarity and joy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_hasn't_jesus'_return_happened_yet.htm">When Jesus says in John 16:16 that his followers “will see” him after “a little while,” why has the second coming not happened given nearly two thousand years have passed? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_blood_thicker_than_covenant_ties.htm">Has anyone ever seen God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_life_continue_after_death.htm">Does life continue after death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_westboro_baptist_church.htm">What is the Westboro Baptist Church?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">A little while, and ye shall not see me.</span>--The better reading is, <span class= "ital">A little while, and ye no longer behold Me.</span> For the sense, comp. Notes on <a href="/context/john/14-18.htm" title="I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.">John 14:18-19</a>. The time here referred to is that between the moment of His speaking to them and His death.<p><span class= "bld">And again, a little while, and ye shall see me.</span>--The time here referred to is the interval between His death and the Day of Pentecost. That the vision is to be understood of our Lord's presence in the person of the Paraclete (<a href="/context/john/14-18.htm" title="I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.">John 14:18-19</a>), is confirmed by <a href="/john/16-23.htm" title="And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.">John 16:23</a>. Note that in this clause the verb ("see") is different from that in the preceding clause ("behold"). The latter refers rather to the physical, and the former to the spiritual, vision. (Comp. <a href="/context/john/20-6.htm" title="Then comes Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and sees the linen clothes lie,">John 20:6-8</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Because I go to the Father.</span>--The majority of the better MSS. omit these words at this place. They have probably been inserted here from the end of the next verse. (Comp. Note there.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-24.</span> - (c) The <span class="accented">sorrow turned into joy</span>. In these verses he approaches the final farewell, in which the whole body of the disciples are introduced as inwardly or among themselves perturbed by the special difficulty of the words. Before the Spirit can do all this, a separation must be experienced. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A little while</span>. A phrase repeated seven times in this brief passage, emphatically encouraging his own disciples to rise above the limitations of time, and enjoy the habits of eternity. <span class="cmt_word">Ye behold me no more.</span> The first puzzle of this utterance lies in this - that (<a href="/john/14-19.htm">John 14:19</a>) he had told them that, though the world would see him no more, they would behold him in the power of the Spirit, and that they would moreover have adequate preparation for such spiritual beholding in the resurrection; yet now he says, "Ye behold me no more." True, he has associated this phrase already, in Ver. 10, with the conviction of the world touching true righteousness and his "going to the Father," so that henceforth he would be hidden in God; but now he increases the perplexity by adding, <span class="cmt_word">And again, a little while, and ye shall see me.</span> The commentators differ greatly as to the reference, but (with Hengstenberg, Weiss, Stier, Westcott, Ebrard, Ewald) the most obvious explanation is that he is referring to the resurrection, which in itself would be in part a glorification of Christ, and which, from its entire method of manifestation to them, would prove a preparation for the spiritual sense of his continual presence. This was perfected at Pentecost, and will be completed when he shall come again in his glory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/16-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">In a little [while]</span><br /><span class="grk">Μικρὸν</span> <span class="translit">(Mikron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will see</span><br /><span class="grk">θεωρεῖτέ</span> <span class="translit">(theōreite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2334.htm">Strong's 2334: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no more,</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκέτι</span> <span class="translit">(ouketi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3765.htm">Strong's 3765: </a> </span><span class="str2">No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">then</span><br /><span class="grk">πάλιν</span> <span class="translit">(palin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after a little [while]</span><br /><span class="grk">μικρὸν</span> <span class="translit">(mikron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will see</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄψεσθέ</span> <span class="translit">(opsesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me.”</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/16-16.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:16 A little while and you will not (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>