John 16:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.
American King James Version (AKJV)
A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.
American Standard Version (ASV)
A little while, and ye behold me no more; and again a little while, and ye shall see me.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
After a little time you will see me no longer; and then again, after a little time, you will see me.
Webster's Revision
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.
World English Bible
A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."
English Revised Version (ERV)
A little while, and ye behold me no more; and again a little while, and ye shall see me.
Clarke's John 16:16 Bible Commentary
A little while - He had but a few hours to live.
And ye shall not see me - I shall be hidden from your view in the grave.
Again a little while - In three days after my death:
Ye shall see me - I will rise again, and show myself to you. Or, As I am going by my ascension to the Father, in a short time, ye shall see me personally no more; but in a little while I shall pour out my Spirit upon you, and others through your ministry; and ye shall see me virtually in the great and wonderful work which shall then take place in the hearts and lives of men.
This may also refer to his coming again to destroy the Jewish state, and also to judge the world; but how can this latter be said to be in a little while? Because a thousand years are but as a day in the sight of God: Psalm 90:4.
Barnes's John 16:16 Bible Commentary
A little while - His death would occur in a short time. It took place the next day. See John 14:19.
Ye shall not see me - That is, he would be concealed from their view in the tomb.
And again a little while - After three days he would rise again and appear to their view.
Because I go ... - Because it is a part of the plan that I should ascend to God, it is necessary that I should rise from the grave, and then you will see me, and have evidence that I am still your Friend. Compare John 7:33. Here are three important events foretold for the consolation of the disciples; yet they were stated in such a manner that, in their circumstances and with their prejudices, it appeared difficult to understand him.
Wesley's John 16:16 Bible Commentary
16:16 A little while and ye shall not see me - When I am buried: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me - When I am risen: because I go to my Father - I die and rise again, in order to ascend to my Father.