What does John 16:17 mean?

Explanation

In this verse from the Gospel of John, the disciples are expressing confusion about Jesus' statement regarding His impending absence and subsequent reappearance.

When Jesus says to them, "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me," He is speaking of His death and resurrection.

The "little while" of not seeing Him refers to the period between His crucifixion and resurrection, while the "again, a little while" indicates that after His resurrection, they will see Him for a limited period before His ascension to the Father in heaven.

The deeper meaning here deals with the transient nature of grief and confusion that will be replaced by joy and understanding upon Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

This passage is part of Jesus' farewell discourse delivered to His disciples during the Last Supper, a time shortly before His crucifixion.

The historical setting is first-century Judea under Roman occupation, where the Jewish people were expecting a messiah to liberate them.

Jesus, however, speaks of a spiritual kingdom and prepares His disciples for His departure, which will be unlike the political deliverance that many of His followers anticipated.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to different concepts:

• The temporality of sorrow and the permanence of joy in the Christian faith.
• The idea of Jesus' physical absence from the world after His ascension and His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit.
• The mystery of the Trinity, as Jesus speaks of going to the Father, showing His unique relationship within the Godhead.
• Eschatological viewpoints might see this also as a foreshadowing of the Second Coming of Christ.

Different Christian denominations interpret this passage through various theological lenses but commonly agree on its central theme of hope and reassurance in the face of loss.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse reminds believers of the following:

• To expect periods of confusion and distress in their spiritual journey.
• To maintain faith in the promises of God, even when His timing and plans are not immediately clear.
• To find comfort in the anticipation of joy after sorrow, reflecting the resurrection.

Cross-References

• John 14:19: "Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also."
• John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
• John 14:28: "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you.

If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I."

• John 20:19: "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words include:

• "μικρὸν" (mikron): Translated "a little (while)," it implies a short duration of time.
• "θεωρεῖτέ" (theōreite): Translated as "ye shall see," this word conveys not just physical sight but also the perception and understanding of something.
• "ὅτι" (hoti): This is a conjunction often translated "because," which here introduces the reason for Jesus' statement, that is, His return to the Father.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader context of ancient myths, stories of gods dying and rising are not uncommon.

However, in Christian theology, Jesus' death and resurrection are unique in their purpose and effect.

Jesus' promise to return after 'a little while' contrasts with mythical stories as it conveys not just a cyclical return, but a transformational event with profound religious implications for salvation and eternal life.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions on concepts like life after death, resurrection, and ascension are beyond the scope of empirical investigation and are matters of faith.

Science does not seek to validate or invalidate religious beliefs which are metaphysical and do not fall under the purview of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse, with a common agreement on its essential meaning:

• D.A. Carson suggests that the 'little whiles' signify how perceptions will change post-resurrection.
• Matthew Henry views it as a message of comfort that sorrow will be turned into joy.
• William Barclay notes the importance of faith in holding onto Jesus' promises in times of uncertainty.

These commentaries highlight the verse's function of encouraging faith in the midst of confusion and anticipatory joy in the hope of the resurrection.