John 16:16

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

Cross-references

John 16:5 Historical context

In John 16:5, Jesus says He is going to the Father — clarifying that the 'little while' of v16 refers to His departure.

John 16:10 Parallel

In John 16:10, Jesus uses the same phrase 'you will no longer see Me' in the context of His departure, linking to the 'little while' here.

In John 16:17-19, the disciples ask about the 'little while' statement and Jesus repeats it — showing their confusion and His response.

John 16:19 Citation

John 16:19 repeats Jesus' exact words from John 16:16 — clarifying that this saying puzzled the disciples.

John 16:25 Citation

John 16:25 explains that Jesus spoke in figures — directly referencing the figurative saying in John 16:16 about 'a little while'.

John 16:28 Parallel

In John 16:28, Jesus speaks of leaving the world to go to the Father, corresponding to the 'you will see me no longer' part of the statement.

John 7:33 Parallel

In John 7:33, Jesus says He will be with them only a little while longer, then go to the Father — the same 'little while' theme as in v16.

John 21:1–23 Prophetic fulfillment

In John 21:1-23, Jesus appears at the Sea of Tiberias, continuing the post-resurrection appearances that fulfill 'you will see me'.

John 20:19–29 Prophetic fulfillment

In John 20:19-29, Jesus appears to the disciples after resurrection, fulfilling the 'again a little while and you will see me'.

John 14:19 Parallel

In John 14:19, Jesus says the world will no longer see Him but you will see Him — the same promise as in v16, with added reason 'because I live'.

John 13:33 Parallel

In John 13:33, Jesus says He will be with them only a little while longer and they cannot come where He is going — same departure context as v16.

John 14:28 Parallel

John 14:28 also records Jesus speaking of going away and coming again — the same pattern of departure and return that John 16:16 describes.

Acts 1:3 Prophetic fulfillment

In Acts 1:3, Jesus appears to the apostles over 40 days, directly fulfilling the 'a little while' of seeing him again.

Acts 10:40 Prophetic fulfillment

In Acts 10:40, God raised Jesus and made him manifest, confirming the 'you will see me' after a little while.

Acts 10:41 Prophetic fulfillment

In Acts 10:41, Jesus appeared to chosen witnesses who ate with him, correlating directly with the promise to see him again.

1 Corinthians 15:5–9 Prophetic fulfillment

In 1 Corinthians 15:5-9, Paul lists resurrection appearances, showing the fulfillment of 'you will see me' in multiple encounters.

Luke 5:35 Parallel

Luke 5:35 uses the bridegroom image to refer to Jesus' removal — the same 'taken away' that John 16:16 describes as 'a little while you will not see me'.