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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 16:18 They kept asking, "Why is He saying, 'a little while'? We do not understand what He is saying."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/16-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/43_Jhn_16_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 16:18 - Grief to Joy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They kept asking, Why is He saying, 'a little while'? We do not understand what He is saying." /><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/16-18.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/16-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/16-17.htm" title="John 16:17">◄</a> John 16:18 <a href="/john/16-19.htm" title="John 16:19">►</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 />They kept asking, &#8220What does he mean by &#8216a little while&#8217? We don&#8217t understand what he is saying.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'a little <i>while</i>'? We do not know what He is saying."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They said therefore, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is saying.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking <i>about.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So they were saying, &#8220What is this that He says, &#8216A little while &#8216? We do not know what He is talking about.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And so they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they were saying, “What does He mean when He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said, “What is this he is saying, ‘In a little while’? We don’t know what he’s talking about.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said, &#8220What is this He is saying, &#8216A little while? We don&#8217t know what He&#8217s talking about!&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What is this 'little while' that he is talking about? We don't know what he means." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? We know not what he saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So they were asking each other, "What does he mean when he says, 'In a little while'? We don't understand what he's talking about."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What does this 'a little while' mean? We don't know what he is talking about!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They kept saying, "What is this 'in a little while' that he keeps talking about? We don't know what he means."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They kept asking, ?Why is He saying, ?a little while?? We do not understand what He is saying.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So they kept on repeating, "What is the meaning of what he says, 'In a little while'? We do not understand what he is talking about." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They kept asking, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?' We do not know what he is saying."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So they asked one another repeatedly, "What can that 'little while' mean which He speaks of? We do not understand His words."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he is saying.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They said then, “What is this He says—the little while? We have not known what He says.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'a little <i>while</i>'? We do not know what He is saying."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they said then, 'What is this he saith -- the little while? we have not known what he saith.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then said they, What is this which he says, A little we know not what he says.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore: What is this that he saith, A little while? we know not what he speaketh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they said: “What is this, that he is saying, ‘A little while?’ We do not understand what he is saying.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ [of which he speaks]? We do not know what he means.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They said, “What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they said, What is this that he said, A little while? We cannot understand what he talks about.<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 />And they were saying, “What is this, 'A little while', that he says? We do know not what he is uttering.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore they said: "What is this that he says, The little while? We know not what he says.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then they were speaking, What is this, <FR>Little while,<Fr> of which He speaks? and we know not what He is talking about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />They said therefore, What is this which he saith, This little while? we know not what he means.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for, said they, we cannot comprehend the meaning of that expression, "within a little while?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So they asked one another repeatedly, "What can that 'little while' mean which He speaks of? We do not understand His words."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />They said, therefore, "What is this that He saith, <FR>'A little while?'<Fr>?we know not what He saith!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />they said therefore, What is this little while that He speaks of? we do not understand what He means.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/16-18.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=5802" 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">Grief to Joy</a></span><br><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’?” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: elegon (V-IIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">They kept asking,</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">He saying,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: To (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">‘a</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikron (Adj-ANS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">little while’?</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidamen (V-RIA-1P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">We do not understand</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">He is saying.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?…<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 7:33-34</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. / You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.”<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/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/8-21.htm">John 8:21</a></span><br />Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-5.htm">John 14:5</a></span><br />“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-5.htm">John 16:5</a></span><br />Now, however, I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-10.htm">John 16:10</a></span><br />in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-16.htm">John 16:16</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="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25</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="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-29.htm">John 16:29</a></span><br />His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-21.htm">Matthew 16:21</a></span><br />From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-32.htm">Mark 9:32</a></span><br />But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-45.htm">Luke 9:45</a></span><br />But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-34.htm">Luke 18:34</a></span><br />But the disciples did not understand any of these things. The meaning was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what He was saying.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They said therefore, What is this that he said, A little while? we cannot tell what he said.</p><p class="hdg">we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-9.htm">Matthew 16:9-11</a></b></br> Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-25.htm">Luke 24:25</a></b></br> Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12</a></b></br> For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which <i>be</i> the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/16-15.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/john/16-17.htm">Little</a> <a href="/john/16-17.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/john/13-24.htm">Means</a> <a href="/luke/23-35.htm">Repeatedly</a> <a href="/john/13-24.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/john/13-24.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/john/16-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/john/13-12.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/17-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/john/17-6.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Little</a> <a href="/acts/1-16.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/john/20-16.htm">Means</a> <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Repeatedly</a> <a href="/john/19-12.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/john/16-29.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/john/16-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/john/17-23.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/john/16-25.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'; </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>They kept asking</b><br>The disciples frequently questioned Jesus, reflecting their struggle to comprehend His teachings. This phrase indicates their persistent confusion and desire for clarity. In the context of <a href="/john/16.htm">John 16</a>, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their repeated questioning shows their reliance on Jesus for understanding and guidance, a theme consistent throughout the Gospels.<p><b>“Why is He saying, ‘a little while’?</b><br>The phrase "a little while" is significant in the context of Jesus' impending death and resurrection. It suggests a short period of time, which can be seen as a reference to the three days between His crucifixion and resurrection. This phrase also points to the temporary nature of their separation from Jesus, as He would soon return to them after His resurrection. The disciples' confusion highlights their limited understanding of the events that were about to unfold, despite Jesus' previous teachings about His death and resurrection (e.g., <a href="/mark/8-31.htm">Mark 8:31</a>).<p><b>We do not understand what He is saying.”</b><br>This statement underscores the disciples' lack of comprehension regarding Jesus' prophetic words. It reflects a broader theme in the Gospels where the disciples often struggle to grasp the spiritual truths Jesus conveys. Their misunderstanding is not just intellectual but also spiritual, as they have yet to receive the Holy Spirit, who would later guide them into all truth (<a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a>). This moment foreshadows the clarity and understanding they would gain after Pentecost, as recorded in <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, when the Holy Spirit empowers them to fully comprehend and proclaim the Gospel.<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 departure and return.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are confused about His statement regarding "a little while."<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_upper_room.htm">The Upper Room</a></b><br>The setting for this discourse, where Jesus is giving His farewell teachings to His disciples before His crucifixion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">John 16</a> includes Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, who will guide the disciples into all truth.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crucifixion_and_resurrection.htm">The Crucifixion and Resurrection</a></b><br>The events that Jesus is alluding to when He speaks of going away and then returning.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_timing.htm">Understanding God's Timing</a></b><br>God's timing often differs from our own, and His "little while" may seem long to us. Trust in His perfect plan and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit is given to help us understand Jesus' teachings and to comfort us during times of waiting and uncertainty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Like the disciples, we may not always understand God's plans. Faith requires trusting Him even when we do not have all the answers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ's_return.htm">Hope in Christ's Return</a></b><br>Jesus' promise to return is a source of hope and encouragement. Live with the expectation and readiness for His return.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_in_confusion.htm">Community in Confusion</a></b><br>The disciples discussed their confusion together. In times of uncertainty, seek fellowship and study with other believers for mutual encouragement and understanding.<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/what_is_the_sin_that_leads_to_death.htm">What is the sin that leads to death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'this_rock'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'Upon this rock'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_prayers_unanswered_in_john_16_23.htm">In John 16:23, how do we explain unanswered prayers despite Jesus' assurance that believers will receive what they ask in his name?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_loneliness.htm">What does the Bible say about loneliness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They said, What is this little while whereof he speaketh</span>? (<span class="greek">λέγει</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">dicit</span>). (The R.T. and Westcott and Hort invert the <span class="greek">τοῦτο</span> and <span class="greek">τί</span>, and thus greatly increase the simplicity of the passage.) What are these two short periods of which he speaks, so full of mysterious significance? <span class="cmt_word">We know not what he saith</span> (<span class="greek">λαλεῖ</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">loquitur</span>). We do not apprehend the wonderful interchange of vision and blank darkness - of presence and absence and presence again! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/16-18.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">They kept asking,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλεγον</span> <span class="translit">(elegon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He saying,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘a</span><br /><span class="grk">Τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(To)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter 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">little [while]’?</span><br /><span class="grk">μικρόν</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">We do not understand</span><br /><span class="grk">οἴδαμεν</span> <span class="translit">(oidamen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He is saying.”</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(lalei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/16-18.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:18 They said therefore What is this that (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:19" /></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>