John 16:25
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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.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
in proverbs--in obscure language, opposed to "showing plainly"--that is, by the Spirit's teaching.
Open source ↗Among other glorious things God hath spoken of himself this is one, I wound, and I heal, Deu. 32, 39. Christ's discourse in this chapter, which continues and concludes his farewell sermon to his disciples, does so. I. Here are wounding words in the notice he gives them of the troubles that were before them (Joh 16:1-6). II. Here are healing words in the comforts he administers to them for their support under those troubles, which are five: - 1. That he would send them the Comforter (Joh 16:7-15). 2. That he would visit them again at his resurrection (Joh 16:16-22). 3. That he would secure to them an answer of peace to all their prayers (Joh 16:23-27). 4. That he was now but returning to his Father (Joh 16:28-32). 5. That, whatever troubles they might meet with in this world, by virtue of his victory over it they should be sure of peace in him (Joh 16:33).
Open source ↗16:25 Jesus spoke using figures of speech, which could only be interpreted with God’s help (1 Cor 1:18-25). With the coming of the Spirit, the disciples would understand.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?
Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.