These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

JOHN 16:1KJV
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John 16:1 (KJV)

What does John 16:1 mean?

John 16:1 records Jesus explaining why he has spoken to his disciples about the troubles ahead. He wants them to be prepared, so that opposition will not cause them to turn away.

The KJV word “offended” can suggest hurt feelings to a modern reader. Here the sense is closer to stumbling or being led to fall away. Jesus speaks these words after describing the world’s hatred toward his followers in John 15.

The Greek behind John 16:1

  • “should … be offended” — σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō): The Greek carries the sense of causing someone to stumble or fall away. The image suggests more than taking offense at an unpleasant remark; it points to a danger that could disrupt the disciples’ trust and loyalty.
  • “things” — ταῦτα (tauta): The Greek means “these things.” The phrase points back to what Jesus has been saying, rather than introducing an unrelated subject.

Why John 16:1 matters

  • Jesus presents his warning as purposeful. The words “that ye should not be offended” explain why he has spoken, linking his warning directly to the disciples’ response.
  • The opposition Jesus describes has a religious setting. In John 16:2, Jesus says the disciples will be put out of synagogues and that some who kill them will think they are serving God. This makes the warning more specific than a general prediction of hardship.
  • Jesus addresses the disciples together. The KJV words “you” and “ye” refer to the group listening to him, not just to one person among them.

Where else these words appear

“should” Greek G4624 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
  • Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

“that” Greek G3363 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • Philippians 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.