His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

JOHN 16:29KJV
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John 16:29 (KJV)

What does John 16:29 mean?

John 16:29 shows the disciples telling Jesus that they now understand him clearly, saying he is speaking plainly instead of using figurative language or riddles. The disciples express relief and confidence because Jesus is no longer speaking in ways that are hard for them to grasp.

In this scene, Jesus has been explaining deep truths about his coming departure and the future, and his disciples have often struggled to follow. Here, they respond to Jesus by saying, in effect, “Now you’re speaking directly to us, not in parables or sayings that are hard to interpret.” This marks a moment where the disciples feel they finally understand what Jesus is telling them.

The Greek behind John 16:29

  • The word "plainly" (παρρησίᾳ, parrēsia) means speaking openly, boldly, or without hiding anything. The disciples are saying that Jesus is now being straightforward, not mysterious.
  • The word "proverb" (παροιμίαν, paroimian) refers to a figure of speech, riddle, or veiled saying. The disciples are relieved that Jesus is not using these kinds of expressions here, which had often left them confused.

Why John 16:29 matters

  • This verse clears up that the disciples sometimes found Jesus’ earlier teachings hard to understand because he often spoke in figures of speech or with hidden meanings.
  • John 16:29 highlights a turning point where the disciples feel more confident in their understanding, even though the following verses show that their confidence is still a bit premature.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel of Jesus gradually revealing his identity and mission more openly to his followers as his time to leave draws near.

Where else these words appear

“proverb” 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 16:25 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.
  • 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.

“Lo” Greek G2396 · used in 26 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
  • John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

“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.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: