New Testament
John 16:23
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On that day you will ask me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
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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.
What John 16:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about a future time when they will no longer need to ask Him questions directly. Instead, He emphasizes the importance of praying to God the Father in His name. This signifies a shift in their relationship with God, where they can approach the Father directly through Jesus. The phrase 'in my name' indicates that their requests should be made with the authority and character of Jesus, reflecting His will and purpose. Jesus assures them that whatever they ask in this manner will be granted by the Father. This promise highlights the power of prayer and the intimate connection believers have with God through Jesus. It encourages the disciples to have faith in their prayers and to understand that their relationship with God is now more direct and personal, thanks to Jesus' role as mediator. This verse reassures believers of God's willingness to respond to their needs when they come to Him through Jesus.
How to apply John 16:23 to your life
This verse encourages believers to pray confidently to God the Father, knowing that their requests made in Jesus' name will be heard. It reminds us to align our prayers with Jesus' character and will, fostering a deeper relationship with God through prayer.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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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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Bethlehem
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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 16:23 mean?
John 16:23 means that Jesus is telling His disciples that they will no longer need to ask Him questions directly. Instead, they can pray to God the Father in Jesus' name, and He will grant their requests.
What is the meaning of 'in my name' in John 16:23?
The phrase 'in my name' in John 16:23 signifies that believers should make their requests to God with the authority and character of Jesus, reflecting His will and purpose.
How does John 16:23 relate to prayer?
John 16:23 highlights the importance of praying to God the Father in Jesus' name, assuring believers that their prayers will be heard and answered.
What assurance does John 16:23 give to believers?
John 16:23 assures believers that whatever they ask the Father in Jesus' name will be granted, encouraging them to pray confidently and directly.
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