John 16:29

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 16:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.
John 16:29 — American Standard Version

Context — John 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29His disciples say, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“His disciples said unto him, etc.] Upon the above discourse of Christ, such rays and beams of light darted into the minds of the apostles, and things stood so clear in their view, and they so well understood what Christ had said, that they declare, lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb: what he had said before, were to them like proverbial, or parabolical expressions, not easy to be understood; they were like enigmas, riddles, and dark sayings, the meaning of which they could not apprehend; but now they observe, with admiration, that what he delivered was plain, and intelligible; which was not so much owing to Christ’s different way of speaking now, from what it was before,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“His disciples said, . . . now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb--hardly more so than before; the time for perfect plainness was yet to come; but having caught a glimpse of His meaning (it was nothing more), they eagerly express their satisfaction, as if glad to make anything of His words. How touchingly does this show both the simplicity of their hearts and the infantile character of their faith!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now speakest thou plainly - What he had said that perplexed them was that which is contained in John 16:16. Compare John 16:17-19; “A little while and ye shall not see me,” etc. This he had now explained by saying John 16:28, “Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” In this there was no ambiguity, and they expressed themselves satisfied with this explanation. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“proverb: or, parable, Joh 16:25 John 16:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification