John 16:25
“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights that his current teaching, though using familiar earthly images, is a temporary stepping stone to a deeper, unreserved revelation of the Father. The disciples' current confusion isn't necessarily due to Jesus' obscurity, but their own limited understanding, which the coming Holy Spirit will illuminate.
Jesus has been speaking to his disciples about his impending departure, the sorrow it will cause, and the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming to comfort and guide them. He acknowledges that he's used figurative language, like parables, which they haven't fully grasped, but assures them that a time is coming when this obscurity will be replaced with clear understanding about the Father. This transition to plain speaking is directly linked to the Father's love for them and their belief in Jesus' divine origin.
Jesus’s teaching was often wrapped in metaphors, like seeds needing time to sprout. But He promised a future where understanding would bloom.
Jesus acknowledges that His current teachings are conveyed through “figures of speech” (or parables/proverbs, as some translations suggest). This means He’s not always speaking in direct, literal terms. Think of it like telling a story to illustrate a deeper truth. He used images like the vine and branches, or a mother’s labor pains, to help His disciples grasp complex realities about the Kingdom, His relationship with the Father, and their own future.
But Jesus offers a profound hope: "the hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech." This isn't about Him changing His message, but about their capacity to receive it changing dramatically. The coming of the Holy Spirit, as discussed in the preceding verses, would unlock their understanding, transforming their ability to grasp spiritual truths. The obscurity wasn't necessarily in Jesus's words, but often in the disciples' limited understanding at that moment.
What does it mean for Jesus to 'plainly show' us the Father? It’s more than just information; it’s a revelation that transforms.
The ultimate goal of Jesus's ministry, and the future clarity He promises, is to reveal the Father. When Jesus says He will "show you plainly of the Father," He means a direct, unreserved, and intimate revelation. This isn't just about understanding theological concepts about God, but about knowing the Father's heart, His love, His plans, and His character.
This plain speaking will happen in a future 'hour,' which scholars suggest refers to the post-resurrection appearances and, significantly, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Spirit acts as the divine interpreter, taking what belongs to Jesus and revealing it to believers, enabling them to understand the Father in a way they couldn't before. This means our growing understanding of God isn't just intellectual; it's a spiritual unveiling, powered by the presence of God within us.
Understand the original words
paroimia · Greek Noun
Proverbs, riddles, or dark sayings; metaphorical language used to veil truth temporarily. It represents indirect teaching that requires divine illumination to be fully understood.
parrēsia · Greek Adverb
Speaking without symbols or metaphors, with total clarity and openness. It implies the full revelation of God's truth, which is finally made manifest through Christ’s finished work and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the immediate aftermath of his crucifixion and resurrection. He acknowledges that his previous teachings, while true, have been obscured by figures of speech. He promises a coming time—the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—when these truths will be revealed plainly, transforming their understanding and enabling them to boldly proclaim the Father.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, an event that brings sorrow and fear to his disciples.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection Appearances
Following his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples over a period of 40 days, offering further instruction.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on his mission.
c. AD 30
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them and illuminating their understanding of Jesus' teachings.
This passage directly follows Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit will teach them everything, directly paralleling Jesus' statement here about speaking plainly about the Father.
1 Corinthians 13:12This verse speaks of seeing God 'face to face' in the future, a concept that resonates with Jesus' promise of no longer speaking in figures but plainly about the Father, pointing towards a future state of clearer understanding.
Hebrews 1:1-3This passage highlights how God, after speaking in various ways in the past (including through prophets), finally spoke through His Son in these last days, underscoring Jesus' unique role as the ultimate revelation of the Father.
1 John 1:1-3John the Apostle echoes Jesus' theme of direct revelation, testifying to having heard, seen, and touched the Word of Life, who is now proclaimed so that believers may have fellowship with the Father and the Son.
cambridgeJohn 16:25: "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."
25–33 . Summary and conclusion of these discourses 25 . These things ] As in John 16:1 there is some uncertainty as to how much is included. Some refer ‘these things’ to John 16:19-24 ; others to John 15:1 to John 16:24 . Perhaps even the latter is too narrow a limit. The words can apply to all Christ’s teaching, of whic…
calvinJohn 16:25-28: "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."
- These things I have spoken to you in proverbs; but the time cometh when I shall no longer speak to you in parables, but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26. In that day you shall ask in my name and I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; 27. For the Father himself loveth you, because you have love…
Jesus highlights that his current teaching, though using familiar earthly images, is a temporary stepping stone to a deeper, unreserved revelation of the Father. The disciples' current confusion isn't necessarily due to Jesus' obscurity, but their own limited understanding, which the coming Holy Spirit will illuminate.
Jesus has been speaking to his disciples about his impending departure, the sorrow it will cause, and the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming to comfort and guide them. He acknowledges that he's used figurative language, like parables, which they haven't fully grasped, but assures them that a time is coming when this obscurity will be replaced with clear understanding about the Father. This transition to plain speaking is directly linked to the Father's love for them and their belief in Jesus' divine origin.
Jesus has been speaking to his disciples about his impending departure, the sorrow it will cause, and the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming to comfort and guide them. He acknowledges that he's used figurative language, like parables, which they haven't fully grasped, but assures them that a time is coming when this obscurity will be replaced with clear understanding about the Father. This transition to plain speaking is directly linked to the Father's love for them and their belief in Jesus' divine origin.
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"“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father." — Jesus highlights that his current teaching, though using familiar earthly images, is a temporary stepping stone to a deeper, unreserved revelation of the Father. The disciples' current confusion isn'…
