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John 16:26

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

John 16:26 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is reassuring his disciples that once he is no longer physically with them, they will still be able to approach God the Father in prayer through his name. By saying "At that day ye shall ask in my name," Jesus is emphasizing the importance of praying in his name as a way to connect with God. This means that when we pray in the name of Jesus, we are acknowledging his authority and seeking God's will in our lives. Jesus also adds that he will not pray to the Father on their behalf, indicating that believers now have direct access to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the privilege and power of prayer in the life of a believer, as well as the unique role that Jesus plays in mediating our relationship with God.

Theological Overview

In this particular verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus is telling his disciples that they will be able to ask in His name on the day He refers to. This means that they will have direct access to God the Father through the authority of Jesus' name. By asking in His name, they are essentially praying with His endorsement and utilizing His position of authority. When Jesus says that He will not pray the Father for them, it doesn't mean that He will not intercede on their behalf, but rather that they will have a direct connection to the Father through Him. This verse highlights the special relationship believers have with God through Jesus, allowing them to approach God confidently and boldly in prayer. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of praying in Jesus' name and the privilege believers have in being able to do so.

John 16:26 in other translations

American Standard Version

In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you;

World English Bible

In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you,

Douay-Rheims

In that day, you shall ask in my name: and I say not to you that I will ask the Father for you.

Geneva Bible (1599)

At that day shall ye aske in my Name, and I say not vnto you, that I will pray vnto the Father for you: