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John 16:24

KJV

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Read it in context Sorrow turned to joy
Start reading at John 16:16 (John 16:16 to John 16:24). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Jesus prepares the disciples for a coming interval of grief and joy, connecting their future asking with His name.

  1. 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.
  2. 16:17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
  3. 16:18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
  4. 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
  5. 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
  6. 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  7. 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  8. 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
  9. 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: John 16:16, John 16:24, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31

Who wrote it, and how we know

John the apostle Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them. John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated

There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

John

The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.

John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31

The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18

FocusRevelation and life

Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation
The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54

FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation

Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation
Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42

FocusLife, light, and the shepherd

Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation
The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50

FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death

Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation
Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26 You are here · 16:24

FocusLove, abiding, and prayer

Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation
Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25

FocusThe finished work and risen Lord

Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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