They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

JOHN 16:2KJV
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John 16:2 (KJV)

What does John 16:2 mean?

John 16:2 means that Jesus’ followers would be expelled from Jewish religious life and even killed by people who believe they are serving God by doing so. Jesus is warning his disciples that persecution will come from those who think they are acting righteously.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest disciples during his final teachings before his arrest. He prepares them for the reality that following him will lead to rejection from their own religious community (“put you out of the synagogues”) and even violent opposition. The verse highlights the seriousness of the coming conflict and the deep misunderstanding of those who will persecute the disciples, believing their actions are a service to God.

The Greek behind John 16:2

  • ἀποσυναγώγους (synagogues, G656): This word means being expelled from the synagogue, which in first-century Jewish life meant losing social, religious, and community standing. It was a serious consequence, not just a minor inconvenience.
  • λατρείαν (service, G2999): This word refers to religious service or worship, often used for acts done for God. Here, it shows that the persecutors believe their violent actions are actually acts of worship or devotion to God.
  • δόξῃ (think, G1380): This word means to suppose or be convinced. The persecutors are not just pretending—they truly believe they are doing the right thing before God.

Why John 16:2 matters

  • John 16:2 clears up the misconception that persecution always comes from obvious enemies; sometimes it comes from those who are convinced they are serving God.
  • This verse emphasizes the cost of discipleship for Jesus’ followers, showing that faithfulness may lead to being misunderstood or rejected by one’s own religious community.
  • John 16:2 connects to the wider passage where Jesus prepares his disciples for hardship, helping them understand that suffering for their faith is not a sign of failure but something he anticipated.

Where else these words appear

“synagogues” Greek G656 · used in 3 verses

  • John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

“service” Greek G2999 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

“doeth” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

“think” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.