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23 At that time[a] you will ask me nothing. I tell you the solemn truth,[b] whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.[c] 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it,[d] so that your joy may be complete.

25 “I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech;[e] a time[f] is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you[g] plainly[h] about the Father.

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Footnotes

  1. John 16:23 tn Grk “And in that day.”
  2. John 16:23 tn Grk “Truly, truly, I say to you.”
  3. John 16:23 sn This statement is also found in John 15:16.
  4. John 16:24 tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
  5. John 16:25 tn Or “in parables”; or “in metaphors.” There is some difficulty in defining παροιμίαις (paroimiais) precisely: A translation like “parables” does not convey accurately the meaning. BDAG 779-80 s.v. παροιμία suggests in general “proverb, saw, maxim,” but for Johannine usage “veiled saying, figure of speech, in which esp. lofty ideas are concealed.” In the preceding context of the Farewell Discourse, Jesus has certainly used obscure language and imagery at times: John 13:8-11; 13:16; 15:1-17; and 16:21 could all be given as examples. In the LXX this word is used to translate the Hebrew mashal which covers a wide range of figurative speech, often containing obscure or enigmatic elements.
  6. John 16:25 tn Grk “an hour.”
  7. John 16:25 tn Or “inform you.”
  8. John 16:25 tn Or “openly.”