Joh 16:16-19 | RWP | e4.org | A little while ( μικρον ). The brief period now till Christ's death as in ; ; . Again a little while ( παλιν μικρον ). The period between the death and the resurrection of Jesus (from Friday afternoon till Sunday morning). Ye shall see me ( οψεσθε με ). Future middle of οπτομα , the verb used in ; as here of spiritual realities (Bernard), though θεωρεω is so used in .

‏ John 16:16-19

A little while ( μικρον ). The brief period now till Christ's death as in 7:33; 13:33; 14:19.

Again a little while ( παλιν μικρον ). The period between the death and the resurrection of Jesus (from Friday afternoon till Sunday morning).

Ye shall see me ( οψεσθε με ). Future middle of οπτομα, the verb used in 1:51; 16:22 as here of spiritual realities (Bernard), though θεωρεω is so used in 20:14.

Some of the disciples ( εκ των μαθητων αυτου ). Ellipsis of time (some) before εκ as in 7:40. Jesus seemed to contradict himself, for the disciples took both verbs in the same sense and were still puzzled over the going to the Father of 14:3. But they talk to one another, not to Jesus.

We know not what he saith ( ουκ οιδαμεν τ λαλε ). The questions to Jesus cease and the disciples frankly confess to each other their own ignorance.

Jesus perceived ( εγνω Ιησους ). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω.

That they were desirous to ask him ( οτ ηθελον αυτον ερωταιν ). Imperfect active tense of θελω in indirect discourse instead of the retention of the present θελουσιν (the usual idiom), just like our English. Their embarrassment was manifest after four inquiries already (Peter, Thomas, Philip, Judas). So Jesus takes the initiative.