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I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/16-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/43_Jhn_16_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 16:4 - Persecution Foretold" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you." /><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/16-4.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/16-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/16-3.htm" title="John 16:3">◄</a> John 16:4 <a href="/john/16-5.htm" title="John 16:5">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/john/16.htm">New International Version</a> I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, <a href="/nlt/john/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer. <a href="/esv/john/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I have said these things to you, so that when their hour might have come, you may remember that I said them to you. Now I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a> But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a> But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. However, I did not say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But these things I have spoken to you, that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I have told you these things [now], so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn&#8217t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> But these things have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, ye may remember them, how that I told you. And these things I said not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am saying this to you now, so that when the time comes, you will remember what I have said. I was with you at the first, and so I didn't tell you these things. <a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> But these things have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, ye may remember them, how that I told you. And these things I said not unto you from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But I've told you this so that when it happens you'll remember what I've told you. I didn't tell you this at first, because I was with you. <a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> But I have told you this, so that when the time comes for them to do these things, you will remember what I told you. "I did not tell you these things at the beginning, for I was with you. <a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> But I've told you this, so that when the time comes you'll remember that I told you about them. I didn't tell you this in the beginning, because I was still with you." <a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when the hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them. "I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you. <a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I have told you these things, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not to you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I have spoken these things to you in order that when the time for their accomplishment comes you may remember them, and may recollect that I told you. I did not, however, tell you all this at first, because I was still with you. <a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a> But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But these things I have spoken to you, that when the hour may come, you may remember them, that I said [them] to you, and I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you; <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I have said these things to you, so that when their hour might have come, you may remember that I said them to you. Now I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> But these things I have spoken to you, that when the hour may come, ye may remember them, that I said them to you, and these things to you from the beginning I did not say, because I was with you; <a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But these have I spoken to you, that when the hour should come, ye should remember them, for I said to you. And these I said not to you from the beginning, for I was with you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But these things I have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. <a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But these things I have spoken to you, so that, when the hour for these things will have arrived, you may remember that I told you. <a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a> I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. “I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I have spoken these things to you, that when their time does come, you may remember them, and that I told you. And these things I did not tell you before, because I was with you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “I have spoken these things with you that when their time comes, you will remember them; I did not tell you these things before, because I was with you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But these things I have told you, that, when the time has come, you may remember that I told you of them. But these things I did not tell you at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I have spoken these things to you, that when the hour may come, you may remember them, that I did say them to you. But I said not these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But these things have I spoken to you, that when the hour is come, ye may remember the same for I had told you. But these things I told you not at the beginning, because I was with you. <a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember what I now tell you. I did not tell you so much at the beginning, because, I was then to be with you. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I have spoken these things to you in order that when the time for their accomplishment comes you may remember them, and may recollect that I told you. I did not, however, tell you all this at first, because I was still with you. <a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But these things I have spoken to you, that, when their hour shall come, ye may remember them, that I told you. And these things I said not to you from the beginning, because I was with you.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But I have told you these <Fr>things,<FR> that when the time cometh, ye may remember that I told you <Fr>of them.<FR> Though I did not tell you of them at the beginning, because I was with you.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/16-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5675" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Persecution Foretold</a> …3They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. 4<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/2980.htm" title="2980: lelalēka (V-RIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">I have told</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/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">when</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōra (N-NFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">hour</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthē (V-ASA-3S) -- To come, go. ">comes,</a> <a href="/greek/3421.htm" title="3421: mnēmoneuēte (V-PSA-2P) -- From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse.">you will remember</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-1S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">told</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/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">about them.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-1S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">I did not 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/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the beginning,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēmēn (V-IIM-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I was</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meth’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 5Now, however, I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/13-19.htm">John 13:19</a> I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He. <a href="/john/14-29.htm">John 14:29</a> And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. <a href="/john/15-20.htm">John 15:20</a> Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. <a href="/john/16-1.htm">John 16:1</a> “I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. <a href="/john/13-7.htm">John 13:7</a> Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” <a href="/matthew/24-25.htm">Matthew 24:25</a> See, I have told you in advance. <a href="/luke/24-6.htm">Luke 24:6-8</a> He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: / ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” / Then they remembered His words. <a href="/mark/13-23.htm">Mark 13:23</a> So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance. <a href="/john/12-16.htm">John 12:16</a> 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. <a href="/john/2-22.htm">John 2:22</a> After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. <a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a> 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. <a href="/john/15-21.htm">John 15:21</a> But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me. <a href="/john/8-28.htm">John 8:28</a> So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. <a href="/john/18-32.htm">John 18:32</a> This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. <a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a> While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not to you at the beginning, because I was with you.that when.<a href="/john/13-19.htm">John 13:19</a> Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.<a href="/john/14-29.htm">John 14:29</a> And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.<a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Isaiah 41:22,23</a> Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come… because.<a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12,13</a> While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled… <a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15</a> And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.<a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Mark 2:19</a> And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Accomplishment</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/john/15-27.htm">First</a> <a href="/john/16-2.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/15-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/john/15-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Recollect</a> <a href="/john/15-20.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/john/16-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/13-31.htm">Warned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/21-26.htm">Accomplishment</a> <a href="/acts/1-22.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/john/18-13.htm">First</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">However</a> <a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/27-63.htm">Recollect</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/john/16-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/2-40.htm">Warned</a><div class="vheading2">John 16</div>1. <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension;</a> 23. <a href="/john/16-23.htm">assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable.</a> 33. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But I have told you these things In this passage, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the trials and persecutions they will face after His departure. The "things" He refers to include the coming of the Holy Spirit, the world's hatred, and the disciples' future suffering. This is part of the Upper Room Discourse, where Jesus provides final teachings and comfort to His disciples before His crucifixion. The forewarning is meant to strengthen their faith and resolve.so that when their hour comes, "Their hour" refers to the time of persecution and trials that the disciples will face. This phrase indicates a specific, divinely appointed time for these events to occur. It echoes the concept of God's sovereignty over history and events, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a>, which speaks of a time for every purpose under heaven. Jesus' foreknowledge of these events underscores His divine nature and omniscience.you will remember that I told you about them. Jesus emphasizes the importance of remembering His words as a source of comfort and assurance. This act of remembrance is crucial for the disciples' faith, as it will help them understand that the trials they face are part of God's plan. This is similar to the role of remembrance in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are often called to remember God's past faithfulness (<a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a>).I did not tell you these things from the beginning, Jesus acknowledges that He withheld certain information from the disciples earlier in His ministry. This suggests a progressive revelation, where God reveals His plans and purposes gradually as His people are ready to understand and bear them. This is consistent with the way God revealed His covenant promises throughout the Old Testament, such as with Abraham and Moses.because I was with you. While Jesus was physically present with the disciples, He provided direct guidance and protection. His presence meant that they did not need to know everything in advance. This reflects the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, akin to a shepherd with his sheep. It also foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will continue to guide and comfort them after Jesus' ascension, as promised in <a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker in this passage, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the events that will follow His departure, including His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' words, they are being prepared for the trials and persecutions they will face after Jesus' departure. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_coming_persecution.htm">The Coming Persecution</a> Jesus refers to the future challenges and persecutions the disciples will face, emphasizing the importance of His teachings and the Holy Spirit's guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_trials.htm">Preparation for Trials</a> Jesus prepares His followers for future challenges, emphasizing the importance of His teachings and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and comforting them. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_memory_in_faith.htm">The Role of Memory in Faith</a> Remembering Jesus' words and promises is crucial for enduring trials. Believers are encouraged to meditate on Scripture and rely on the Holy Spirit for recall and understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_jesus.htm">The Presence of Jesus</a> While Jesus was physically present, He did not need to warn the disciples of everything. His departure necessitates a deeper reliance on His teachings and the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_timing.htm">The Importance of Timing</a> Jesus reveals truths at the appropriate time, teaching us to trust in God's timing for revelation and understanding in our own lives. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_faith.htm">Endurance Through Faith</a> The forewarning of persecution serves to strengthen the disciples' faith, reminding believers today that trials are part of the Christian journey and can be faced with courage and faith.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) But these things have I told you . . .--He recurs to the thought of <a href="/john/16-1.htm" title="These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended.">John 16:1</a>. (Comp. also <a href="/john/13-19.htm" title="Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I am he.">John 13:19</a>; <a href="/john/14-29.htm" title="And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, you might believe.">John 14:29</a>.) He strengthens them by forewarning them. When the persecution comes they will remember His word, and find in it support for their faith and evidence of His presence with them.These things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.--While with them, He would spare them, and it was against Himself that the hatred of His foes was directed. When He shall have left them they will represent Him, and must stand in the foreground of the battle.These words seem to be opposed to Matthew 10 and parallel passages, where our Lord did tell the Apostles at the time of their call of the persecutions which awaited them. (See especially <a href="/john/16-17.htm" title="Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he said to us, A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?">John 16:17</a>; <a href="/john/16-21.htm" title="A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.">John 16:21</a>; <a href="/john/16-28.htm" title="I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.">John 16:28</a>.) The passages are not, however, really inconsistent, for "these things" in this verse (comp. <a href="/john/16-3.htm" title="And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.">John 16:3</a>; <a href="/john/16-1.htm" title="These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended.">John 16:1</a>, and <a href="/john/15-21.htm" title="But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.">John 15:21</a>) refers to the full account He has given them of the world's hatred and the principles lying at the foot of it, and the manner in which it was to be met by the Spirit's witness and their witness of Him. These things which the infant Church would have to meet, and meet without His bodily presence, He told them not at the beginning. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - But - the ἀλλὰ suggests a kind of pause, as if he had said, "I will go into no further details" (Meyer) - these things - these prophecies of approaching persecution - I have spoken to you, that (here ἵνα has its proper relic force) when [their] hour is come, ye may remember [them] how that I told you. This awkward form is that due to the perplexities of the position of αὐτῶν in the text. Frequently our Lord thus prepared his disciples for the future, called upon them to remember his predictions as pledges of his Divine mission, but still more as consolations and supply of strength when they would most of all need it. These things I told you not from the beginning; not "at the beginning," ἐν ἀρχῆ, nor ἀπ ἀρχῆς, but ἐξ ἀρχῆς (cf. <a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm">Isaiah 40:21</a>; <a href="/isaiah/41-26.htm">Isaiah 41:26</a>; <a href="/isaiah/43-9.htm">Isaiah 43:9</a>), from the beginning of my ministry (as <a href="/mark/1-1.htm">Mark 1:1</a>), and continuously throughout it. If "these things" are restricted to the prediction of cruel persecution, they are certainly contradicted by the language of <a href="/matthew/10-17.htm">Matthew 10:17, 21, 28</a>; <a href="/luke/6-22.htm">Luke 6:22</a>; <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10</a>, etc.; Matthew 21:36; 24:9; <a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4</a>, etc. The numerous explanations of the commentators, that Christ had now given a more detailed, particular, and tragic outlook, cannot be sustained. Nor does the supposition that John is here the corrector of the synoptic narrative satisfy (Meyer); nor that of Godet, that Matthew, in his tenth chapter, was gathering together all that Christ had said of this nature, antedating instructions that the Lord had given, at all explain the corresponding passages in Luke's Gospel. The language of the last clause, because I was with you, throws more light upon it. This does not surely mean "because I was bearing for you the brunt of the opposition," - it would be unnecessary altogether to say that. All along they must have bitterly felt the antagonism which their Lord encountered. The difficulty is removed by including in the ταῦτα of Ver. 4 what certainly is involved in the ταῦτα of Ver. 1; and the reference is to the whole of his instructions touching his departure and the coming of the other Paraclete, and the principle from which the hatred of the world would spring; the explanation of the anticipated hostility which he had now offered, and the way in which they might overcome it. So long as he was with them they could not be made to understand the Divine riches of the consolation which was now so near. From the beginning he had not given all this class of instruction, because he was with them. While at their side, it was premature to speak of the special help they would require in their bereaved condition. <a href="/commentaries/john/16-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. I have told λελάληκα (lelalēka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. these things ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. hour ὥρα (hōra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. comes, ἔλθῃ (elthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. you will remember μνημονεύητε (mnēmoneuēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3421.htm">Strong's 3421: </a> From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. told εἶπον (eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [about] them. αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. I did not tell εἶπον (eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. these things ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [the] beginning, ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I was ἤμην (ēmēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with μεθ’ (meth’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. you. ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/16-4.htm">John 16:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/16-4.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:4 But I have told you these things (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:5" /></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>