John 16:23–24

Context

Chapters 13–17 of the Gospel of John record the words Jesus spoke to his disciples on the night before his arrest. These chapters are commonly called the Farewell Discourse or the Upper Room Discourse. Beginning at 16:16, Jesus tells the disciples that in "a little while" they will not see him, and again a little while and they will see him. He then says that their sorrow will be turned into joy, like the pain of a woman in labor (16:20–22).

In this context, "that day" in verse 23 is commonly understood as the time after the resurrection or after the coming of the Holy Spirit. Until then, the disciples had put their questions and requests directly to Jesus while he was with them. On that day, they would instead ask the Father directly in Jesus' name. Verses 26–27 add that the Father himself loves the disciples.

Interpretation

• Distinguishing "ask" (inquire) from "ask" (request): In the Greek text, the word translated "ask" in the first part of verse 23 (erōtaō) differs from the word translated "ask" in the latter part (aiteō). On this basis, many interpreters take the first clause to mean that the disciples will no longer need to put questions to Jesus, and the latter as a promise concerning petition. Some scholars, however, hold that John's Gospel does not clearly distinguish the two words.
• A new way of access through the Mediator: This reading takes the passage as a declaration that, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples have gained direct access to the Father through Christ. Many Protestant denominations confess Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity, and this passage is cited alongside that confession.
• "In my name" as substance rather than formula: Many interpreters, including commentators in the Reformed tradition, do not regard "in my name" as a formula to be appended to the end of a prayer. They explain it as asking in reliance on Jesus and in keeping with his will and character.
• Emphasis on the promise of an answer: Preaching that emphasizes answered prayer, particularly in Pentecostal and charismatic circles, reads "ask, and ye shall receive" as an invitation to ask boldly and connects "that your joy may be full" with the experience of answered prayer.

Questions of Application

The principal question is whether "whatsoever" can be taken as an unconditional promise to grant any request at all. Many commentators hold that it must be read together with conditions such as "according to his will" in 1 John 5:14–15. Critics of prosperity theology cite the practice of quoting this passage as though it guaranteed wealth or health as an example of using Scripture out of context.

There is also a textual issue. Depending on the manuscript, "in my name" is attached either to "ask" or to "he will give." The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul), which renders the phrase "he will give it you in my name," can be seen as following the latter reading.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, the practice of closing prayer with "I pray in the name of Jesus" is widespread. This passage, together with John 14:13–14, is frequently cited as the basis for the practice, and representative prayers offered on behalf of the congregation usually close in this way as well. The passage is also a common text for sermons on prayer.

Related Passages

• John 14:13–14
• John 15:7
• 1 John 5:14–15
• James 4:2–3
• 1 Timothy 2:5–6