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John 16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
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The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in allegories; an hour is coming when I will speak to you no more in allegories, but I will report to you plainly concerning the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will speak no more to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you openly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I have told you these things in figurative language (veiled language, proverbs); the hour is now coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have used examples to explain to you what I have been talking about. But the time will come when I will speak to you plainly about the Father and will no longer use examples like these. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I have used examples to illustrate these things. The time is coming when I won't use examples to speak to you. Rather, I will speak to you about the Father in plain words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"I have used figures of speech to tell you these things. But the time will come when I will not use figures of speech, but will speak to you plainly about the Father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I have said these things to you in figurative language. The time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly about the Father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech; a time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />These things have I spoken to you in proverbs: but the time cometh when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly concerning the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"All this I have spoken to you in veiled language. The time is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in veiled language, but will tell you about the Father in plain words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have spoken these things in allegories to you, but there comes an hour when I will no longer speak to you in allegories, but will tell you freely of the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in allegories; an hour is coming when I will speak to you no more in allegories, but I will report to you plainly concerning the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'These things in similitudes I have spoken to you, but there cometh an hour when no more in similitudes will I speak to you, but freely of the Father, will tell you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />These have I spoken to you in proverbs: but the hour comes, when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs, but with freedom of speech will I announce to you of 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 />These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in proverbs. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs; instead, I will announce to you plainly from the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have spoken these things in figures; but the time is coming, when I will not speak to you in figures, but will plainly explain to you concerning 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 />“I have spoken these things in parables with you, but the hour is coming when I shall speak with you, not in parables, but I shall declare to you about The Father plainly.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />These things I have spoken to you in parables; the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in parables, but will teach you plainly concerning the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>I have spoken these things unto you in parables; the hour comes, when I shall no longer speak to you in parables, but openly will I proclaim to you concerning the Father.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />These things have I spoken to you in parables: but the hour is coming when I will no more speak to you in parables, but will plainly inform you respecting the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />These things have I express'd in a figurative way: the time is coming when my language will be no longer enigmatical, but I shall give you a plain account relating to my father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"All this I have spoken to you in veiled language. The time is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in veiled language, but will tell you about the Father in plain words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>"These things have I spoken to you in proverbs. An hour is coming, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will tell you plainly of the Father.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>These <Fr><i>things</i><FR> have I spoken to you in parables: but the time is coming when I shall no more speak to you in parables, but tell you with plainness concerning the Father.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/16-25.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=5884" 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">Ask and You will Receive</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">24</span>Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lelalēka (V-RIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">I have spoken</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3942.htm" title="3942: paroimiais (N-DFP) -- A cryptic saying, an allegory; a proverb, figurative discourse. ">figures of speech.</a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōra (N-NFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">An hour</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">is coming</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalēsō (V-FIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">I will no longer speak</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."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3942.htm" title="3942: paroimiais (N-DFP) -- A cryptic saying, an allegory; a proverb, figurative discourse. ">this way,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/518.htm" title="518: apangelō (V-FIA-1S) -- To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.">will tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3954.htm" title="3954: parrēsia (N-DFS) -- From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.">plainly</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patros (N-GMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">26</span>In that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.…<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/16-29.htm">John 16:29-30</a></span><br />His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech. / Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-25.htm">John 14:25-26</a></span><br />All this I have spoken to you while I am still with you. / But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a></span><br />No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-6.htm">John 10:6</a></span><br />Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-16.htm">John 12:16</a></span><br />At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-7.htm">John 13:7</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a></span><br />Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10-11</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-33.htm">Mark 4:33-34</a></span><br />With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand. / He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7-10</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a></span><br />On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">These things have I spoken to you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.</p><p class="hdg">proverbs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12,16,17</a></b></br> I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a></b></br> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2</a></b></br> I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-28.htm">John 16:28,29</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="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33-36</a></b></br> Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">2 Corinthians 3:12-18</a></b></br> Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Allegories</a> <a href="/john/14-22.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/john/12-46.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/john/16-15.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/john/10-6.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-14.htm">Figures</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/12-33.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/john/10-21.htm">Language</a> <a href="/luke/6-17.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/john/11-14.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-44.htm">Proverbs</a> <a href="/john/15-7.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/john/16-15.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/john/16-15.htm">Show</a> <a href="/hosea/12-10.htm">Similitudes</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/john/13-24.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/john/10-6.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/john/9-30.htm">Use</a> <a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Veiled</a> <a href="/john/16-18.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Allegories</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/john/17-26.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">Figurative</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Figures</a> <a href="/john/16-31.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Language</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Proverbs</a> <a href="/john/17-8.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Show</a> <a href="/hosea/12-10.htm">Similitudes</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/john/16-26.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Use</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Veiled</a> <a href="/john/17-1.htm">Words</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'; 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This method was common in Jewish teaching, allowing listeners to engage with the message on multiple levels. The use of figures of speech can be seen throughout the Gospels, such as in the parables of the sower (<a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>) and the prodigal son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>). These stories were designed to reveal truths to those who were spiritually receptive while concealing them from those who were not. This approach fulfilled the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a> about people hearing but not understanding.<p><b>An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way,</b><br>Jesus refers to a future time when His teachings will be made clear. This "hour" signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history, often associated with His death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The disciples would soon experience a transformation in their understanding, as the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>). This promise of clarity is a reassurance that the mysteries of the Kingdom will be unveiled to them.<p><b>but will tell you plainly about the Father.</b><br>The promise of speaking plainly indicates a direct revelation of God's nature and will. Jesus, as the Son, has unique access to the Father and reveals Him fully (<a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>). This direct communication is a fulfillment of the new covenant, where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33-34</a>). The clarity of Jesus' future teachings would be evident in the apostles' writings and the early church's understanding of the Gospel, as seen in the epistles where the nature of God and His plan for salvation are expounded.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being prepared for a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father.htm">The Father</a></b><br>God the Father, whom Jesus will reveal more plainly to the disciples.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/figures_of_speech.htm">Figures of Speech</a></b><br>Refers to the parables and metaphors Jesus used to convey spiritual truths.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_coming_time.htm">The Coming Time</a></b><br>Refers to the period after Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples will gain clearer understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_through_the_spirit.htm">Understanding Through the Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating the truths of God. Believers should seek the Spirit's guidance for deeper understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transition_from_parables_to_plain_speech.htm">Transition from Parables to Plain Speech</a></b><br>Jesus' use of parables was intentional, designed to reveal truths to those ready to receive them. As believers mature, they should expect to understand God's truths more clearly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_revelation.htm">The Role of Scripture in Revelation</a></b><br>Scripture is the primary means through which God reveals Himself. Regular study and meditation on the Word are essential for spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_maturity.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Maturity</a></b><br>Just as the disciples grew in their understanding, believers are called to mature in their faith, moving from basic teachings to deeper truths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anticipation_of_full_revelation.htm">Anticipation of Full Revelation</a></b><br>While we may not understand everything now, there is a promise of full revelation in God's timing. This should encourage patience and perseverance in faith.<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/do_biblical_figures_have_last_names.htm">Do biblical figures have last names?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_prayer_and_fasting.htm">What does the Bible say about prayer and fasting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_abraham_father_kids_so_old.htm">How could Abraham father additional children at such an advanced age (Genesis 25:1-6)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_guide_me_through_this_journey.htm">What was the manner of Jesus' death?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs.</span>--Better, as in the margin, . . . <span class= "ital">in parables.</span> So in the second clause of the verse and in <a href="/john/16-29.htm" title="His disciples said to him, See, now speak you plainly, and speak no proverb.">John 16:29</a>. (Comp. Note on <a href="/john/10-6.htm" title="This parable spoke Jesus to them: but they understood not what things they were which he spoke to them.">John 10:6</a>.) "These things" refers specially to what He had just said from <a href="/john/16-16.htm" title="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.">John 16:16</a> onwards. There is a sense in which it is necessarily true of all Christ's teaching, and of all teaching in words. They are but parables until the truth which they contain has been thought out by the man that hears them. For the disciples much of Christ's teaching remained in a parabolic form, until the Spirit brought all things which He had said to the mind, and quickened their minds so that they could grasp its meaning. (Comp. <span class= "ital">e.g.,</span> <a href="/context/john/2-20.htm" title="Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days?">John 2:20-22</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">But the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs.</span>--For "proverbs," read <span class= "ital">parables,</span> as in last verse. For the time referred to, comp. <a href="/john/16-16.htm" title="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.">John 16:16</a>; <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>. In that time He will be present with them in the Advocate, and will no longer need parables or words, but will, to the depth of their spirit, communicate to them in all fulness and plainness the eternal truth of the Father (<a href="/john/16-13.htm" title="However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.">John 16:13</a> <span class= "ital">et seq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 25-33.</span> - (d) The <span class="accented">final conviction wrought that Jesus was what he had said that he was</span>. <span class="accented">The joy of Christ</span>, <span class="accented">with its note of warning</span>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">These things I have spoken to you in proverbs</span> (see <a href="/john/10-6.htm">John 10:6</a>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in concentrated and to some extent enigmatical utterances, "in dark sayings upon a harp," in words which subsequent events and higher enlightenment would interpret (cf. here Christ's distinction between his disciples and the multitude in the matter of parables, <a href="/matthew/13.htm">Matthew 13</a>.). He used the parable to the stupefied, that they might thus separate between those who were susceptible to his teaching and those who were not. To his disciples he interpreted his parables, still leaving much which might be regarded as <span class="greek">παροιμίαι</span>, condensed word-utterances, in which words stood for higher things than in their ordinary usage. Thus the similitudes adopted throughout <a href="/john/9.htm">John 9, 10, 11, 12-16</a>, are numerous, intended to draw the disciples on from their ordinary ideas to the heights of his thought and the mystery of his Person. The <span class="greek">ἀλλ</span> is omitted by modern editors. <span class="cmt_word">The hour cometh</span> - the great climacteric period of my revelation - <span class="cmt_word">when I shall no longer speak to you in proverbs</span>, when, indeed, the sound of my voice will be hushed, and words will no longer be needed, when Divine spirations and heavenly pulsations shall convey to you what my parabolic teaching and my paroimic interpretations have failed to impart, when I shall be with you and in you, and by the energy of the Paraclete <span class="cmt_word">I shall declare</span> (<span class="cmt_word">to you</span>) <span class="cmt_word">plainly</span>, with clearness and openness, in the fullness of spiritual light, without reserve, circumlocution, or parable, <span class="cmt_word">concerning the Father</span>. This promise declares that the glorious revelations of Pentecost and the teaching of those who received the Holy Ghost will be verily and indeed our Lord Christ's own most personal and frank and outspoken revelations of the Father; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/16-25.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">I have spoken</span><br /><span class="grk">λελάληκα</span> <span class="translit">(lelalēka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these things</span><br /><span class="grk">Ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(Tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">figures of speech.</span><br /><span class="grk">παροιμίαις</span> <span class="translit">(paroimiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3942.htm">Strong's 3942: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cryptic saying, an allegory; a proverb, figurative discourse. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">A time</span><br /><span class="grk">ὥρα</span> <span class="translit">(hōra)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is coming</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔρχεται</span> <span class="translit">(erchetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτε</span> <span class="translit">(hote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> </span><span class="str2">When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will no longer speak</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλήσω</span> <span class="translit">(lalēsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[this way],</span><br /><span class="grk">παροιμίαις</span> <span class="translit">(paroimiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3942.htm">Strong's 3942: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cryptic saying, an allegory; a proverb, figurative discourse. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will tell</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπαγγελῶ</span> <span class="translit">(apangelō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">To report (from one place to another), bring a report, announce, declare. From apo and the base of aggelos; to announce.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plainly</span><br /><span class="grk">παρρησίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(parrēsia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3954.htm">Strong's 3954: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Father.</span><br /><span class="grk">Πατρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Patros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/16-25.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:25 I have spoken these things to you (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:26" /></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>