John 16:25 Meaning and Explanation
“These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus acknowledges that his teaching has been veiled in parable and metaphor, but he promises a time of plainness and clarity.
The Context of John 16:25
Jesus refers to his entire ministry of teaching, much of which was delivered in parables that concealed truth from some and revealed it to others.
What Does John 16:25 Mean?
John's Gospel does not contain Jesus' famous parables (those are in Matthew, Mark, and Luke), but it is full of metaphors: Jesus as the door, the vine, the living water. Parables and riddles conceal as much as they reveal; they require the listener's consent and openness to understand. But Jesus now promises a shift. There is a time coming, after the resurrection, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, when he will teach not through veils but plainly. The disciples will understand not intellectually but spiritually, as the Spirit illuminates their minds.
This points to the role of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who will remind them of all Jesus taught and lead them into all truth. They will not lose Jesus' presence; they will gain new clarity. What seemed mysterious in the garden of Gethsemane will make sense in light of the resurrection.
John 16:25 in the Original Language
paroimia (paroimia), 'proverb' -- a saying that obscures truth to some while revealing it to those with ears to hear
How to Apply John 16:25 Today
We may find Scripture or God's truth confusing now, but the Holy Spirit is given to us to clarify and illuminate. We can trust that what seems obscure will become plain through the Spirit's patient teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 16:25
What does John 16:25 mean?
Jesus acknowledges that his teaching has been veiled in parable and metaphor, but he promises a time of plainness and clarity.
What is the context of John 16:25?
Jesus refers to his entire ministry of teaching, much of which was delivered in parables that concealed truth from some and revealed it to others.
How can I apply John 16:25 today?
We may find Scripture or God's truth confusing now, but the Holy Spirit is given to us to clarify and illuminate. We can trust that what seems obscure will become plain through the Spirit's patient teaching.