What does John 16:18 mean?

Explanation

John 16:18 speaks to a moment of confusion among Jesus' disciples.

The verse captures the disciples' puzzlement over Jesus' statement that in "a little while" they will no longer see Him, and then after "a little while," they will see Him again.

This is in reference to His impending death and resurrection, although the disciples do not yet fully understand this.

They are essentially questioning among themselves what Jesus means by "a little while," indicating that the concept and timing of Jesus' words are not clear to them.

Historical Context

This verse comes from a larger discourse known as the Farewell Discourse (John 14-17), given by Jesus to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

The Gospel of John was written in a Greco-Roman world, roughly at the end of the first century.

During this time, the early Christian community was experiencing uncertainty and persecution.

This dialogue offers comfort and preparation for the challenges they would face without Jesus' physical presence.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions have interpreted this verse in the context of eschatology and Christology.

The immediate theological insight speaks to the promise of Jesus' resurrection, His ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The "little while" can also be perceived as a statement concerning the 'already but not yet' nature of the Kingdom of God, where believers live in anticipation of Jesus' second coming.

Practical Applications

This verse offers a practical application for believers to trust in Jesus' words, even when they are not fully understood.

It encourages patience and faith that God's timing and purposes are perfect, even if they are not clear in the moment.

It teaches readers to live with hopeful anticipation and to trust in divine promises.

Cross-References

• John 16:16 "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father."
• 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 16: 22 "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."
• Acts 1:11 "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

Language Study

The key phrase in question is "a little while" (Greek: μικρὸν χρόνον, mikron chronon).

The term "μικρὸν" (mikron) translates to "small" or "little," and "χρόνον" (chronon) refers to "time." Together they suggest a very brief period, which for the disciples and early readers might have signified an imminently expected event.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural context, there are parallels in other religious traditions about a figure who departs and returns.

For example, various myths have themes of gods or messianic figures dying and returning to life, which can be seen in the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology and the seasons of Demeter and Persephone in Greek myth.

Judaism also has messianic expectations involving the absence and return of the Messiah.

Scientific Perspectives

While science primarily deals in observable phenomena, the discussion in John 16:18 touches on the perception of time and events, which has parallels in scientific study.

Quantum physics and theories of time offer a realm where standard perceptions of time and causality are not always linear or understood in traditional ways, similar to the disciples' confusion over what Jesus meant by "a little while."

commentaries

Commentators often address the immediate confusion of the disciples and highlight the broader implications of Jesus' words.

William Barclay notes that the disciples' lack of understanding illustrates their human nature, sharing in the same confusions and uncertainties that all people face.

Matthew Henry expands on the disciples' trouble, explaining that it is often in the 'little whiles' that faith is tested.

Craig S.

Keener, in his commentaries, might emphasize the historical and cultural context, while also exploring the promise of the "little while" as a comfort in trials.