Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

JOHN 16:10KJV
Know the Bible

John 16:10 (KJV)

What does John 16:10 mean?

John 16:10 describes how the Holy Spirit will show the world what true righteousness is, because Jesus is going to the Father and will no longer be seen by his followers. The verse points out that Jesus’ return to the Father proves his righteousness and confirms his unique relationship with God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest. He is explaining the work of the Holy Spirit, who will come after Jesus leaves. Jesus says that his departure—going to the Father—will be a sign of his righteousness, since only someone truly right with God could return to God’s presence. The disciples will no longer see Jesus, but the Spirit will help them (and the world) understand what real righteousness looks like.

The Greek behind John 16:10

  • δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, “righteousness”): This word refers to being right or just in God’s eyes. Here, it highlights Jesus’ innocence and his approval by God, shown by his return to the Father.
  • πορεύομαι (poreuomai, “go”): This verb means to depart or travel. Jesus’ “going” to the Father is not just leaving earth, but being accepted back into God’s presence, which underlines his righteousness.
  • θεωρεῖτε (theōreite, “see”): This word means to observe or behold. Jesus says the disciples will not “see” him anymore, emphasizing the change in how his followers will relate to him after his ascension.

Why John 16:10 matters

  • John 16:10 clarifies that Jesus’ righteousness is proven by his return to the Father, not just by his actions on earth.
  • The verse helps explain the role of the Holy Spirit in making the meaning of Jesus’ life and departure clear to both the disciples and the wider world.
  • This statement connects to the larger conversation in John 16, where Jesus prepares his followers for his absence and reassures them that the Spirit will guide them into truth.

Where else these words appear

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

“see” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“go” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • John 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;