John 16:25

"These things I have spoken unto you" (NASB) indicates another transition in the discourse (cf. John 14:25; John 16:1; John 16:4; John 16:33; John 17:1). Jesus acknowledged that He had not been giving direct answers to His disciples’ questions. He had been speaking enigmatically or cryptically. The Greek phrase en paroimias has this meaning elsewhere (cf. John 10:6). Jesus was referring to His entire discourse, not just His illustration about the woman (John 16:21). He evidently did this to avoid presenting what lay ahead in such stark reality that the disciples could not accept it (John 16:12).

The coming hour when Jesus would no longer speak figuratively to them but clearly (Gr. parresia, cf. John 10:24; John 11:14) probably refers to the time following His resurrection and ascension. Then He and the Spirit would help the disciples understand the meaning of what He had said earlier (cf. Acts 1:3).

Jesus used parables to teach the multitudes because they were not ready to receive clear teaching (Mark 4:33-34). He interpreted some of His parables for the disciples because they could receive some clear teaching. However, He also used enigmatic language with the disciples because even they were not ready to understand some things yet.