New Testament
John 16:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God.
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They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
What John 16:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns His followers about the persecution they will face for their faith. Being expelled from synagogues signifies a severe social and religious rejection. The statement about people thinking they are serving God by killing believers highlights a tragic irony: some will be so misguided in their zeal that they will commit acts of violence against those who follow Christ, believing they are doing the right thing. This reflects a deep misunderstanding of God's will and the true nature of faith. Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality that their commitment to Him may lead to suffering and even death, but He reassures them that such trials are part of their mission. This verse serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of hostility and misunderstanding from others.
How to apply John 16:2 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remain strong in their faith despite opposition. It reminds us that persecution can come from unexpected places, even from those who claim to serve God. We should seek to understand and love others, even when they misunderstand our beliefs, and stand firm in our commitment to Christ.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Comforts His Disciples (John 14:1–16:33)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying John 16:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 16:2 mean?
John 16:2 means that Jesus is warning His followers about the persecution they will face for their faith. He indicates that being expelled from synagogues represents a serious rejection, and some will even kill believers, thinking they are serving God.
What is the significance of being put out of the synagogues in John 16:2?
Being put out of the synagogues in John 16:2 signifies a profound social and religious rejection of believers. It indicates that followers of Christ may face isolation and hostility from their own communities.
How does John 16:2 relate to the theme of persecution?
John 16:2 relates to the theme of persecution by illustrating the harsh realities that followers of Christ may endure. It emphasizes that commitment to faith can lead to suffering and rejection, even from those who claim to be religious.
What can we learn from John 16:2 about facing opposition?
From John 16:2, we learn that believers should remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition. It reminds us that persecution can arise from unexpected sources, and encourages us to respond with understanding and love.
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