But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

JOHN 16:4KJV
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John 16:4 (KJV)

What does John 16:4 mean?

John 16:4 shows Jesus telling his disciples that he has warned them about coming troubles so that, when those troubles arrive, they will remember his words. Jesus explains that he did not share these warnings earlier because he was still physically present with them.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final hours before his arrest. He is preparing them for difficult times ahead, especially for the hostility and persecution they will face after he leaves. By saying he did not mention these things “at the beginning,” Jesus points out that his presence had protected and guided them up to this point, but now they need to be ready to face challenges without him physically by their side.

The Greek behind John 16:4

  • The word for “remember” is μνημονεύητε (mnēmoneuēte), which means to recall or bring to mind. Jesus wants his disciples to actively recall his teachings when the predicted events happen, not just passively experience them.
  • The phrase “when the time shall come” uses ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἡ ὥρα (hotan elthē hē hōra), meaning “when the hour comes.” In John’s Gospel, “the hour” often refers to significant, God-appointed moments, especially times of trial or fulfillment.
  • The word for “beginning” is ἀρχῆς (archēs), which means the starting point or origin. Jesus is marking a clear difference between the time when he was with them and the new phase that is about to begin.

Why John 16:4 matters

  • John 16:4 clarifies that Jesus’s warnings were not meant to frighten his disciples, but to prepare them, so they would not be caught off guard or lose faith when difficulties came.
  • This verse shows Jesus’s care and foresight, emphasizing that he equips his followers with understanding before they face hardship.
  • John 16:4 connects to the wider passage where Jesus is explaining the coming of the Holy Spirit and the reality of persecution, helping the disciples (and readers) see the reason behind his timing and teaching.

Where else these words appear

“was” Greek G2252 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • Acts 22:19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

“remember” Greek G3421 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“time” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.