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.

JOHN 16:25KJV
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John 16:25 (KJV)

What does John 16:25 mean?

John 16:25 means that Jesus has been speaking to his disciples using figurative language or comparisons, but a time is coming when he will speak to them openly and clearly about God the Father. Jesus promises that soon his teachings will be direct, without the use of veiled sayings.

In this verse, Jesus is talking to his closest followers during his final conversation with them before his arrest. He acknowledges that much of what he has said so far has been in "proverbs"—that is, in ways that are not always easy to understand. Jesus reassures them that soon, after certain events unfold, he will reveal the truth about God plainly, so they will not be confused or left guessing.

The Greek behind John 16:25

  • The word translated "proverbs" is παραβολαῖς (parabolais, from G3942), which often means figures of speech, comparisons, or sayings that are not straightforward. This highlights that Jesus' earlier teaching style was sometimes indirect or symbolic.
  • The word for "plainly" is παρρησίᾳ (parrēsia, from G3954), which means openly, frankly, or with boldness. This shows that Jesus is promising a shift to clear, unambiguous teaching about the Father.
  • The verb "shew" is ἀναγγελῶ (anangelō, from G312), meaning to announce or make known. This emphasizes that Jesus will actively reveal or explain things about God, not just hint at them.

Why John 16:25 matters

  • John 16:25 clarifies that Jesus' earlier teachings were sometimes hard to grasp because they were given in figurative language, which helps explain why the disciples often seemed confused.
  • The verse sets up an important transition: after Jesus' death and resurrection, his followers will receive clearer understanding, especially through the coming of the Holy Spirit, as described later in the chapter.
  • This verse reassures readers that God’s truth is meant to be understood, and that Jesus intends for his followers to have a direct and open relationship with the Father, not one clouded by mystery.

Where else these words appear

“proverbs” Greek G3942 · used in 4 verses

  • John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
  • John 16:29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
  • 2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“shew” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
  • John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
  • Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

“plainly” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“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.