Joh 16:19 | RWP | e4.org | Jesus perceived ( εγνω Ιησους ). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω . That they were desirous to ask him ( οτ ηθελον αυτον ερωταιν ). Imperfect active tense of θελω in indirect discourse instead of the retention of the present θελουσιν (the usual idiom), just like our English. Their embarrassment was manifest after four inquiries already (Peter, Thomas, Philip, Judas). So Jesus takes the initiative.

‏ John 16:19

Jesus perceived ( εγνω Ιησους ). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω.

That they were desirous to ask him ( οτ ηθελον αυτον ερωταιν ). Imperfect active tense of θελω in indirect discourse instead of the retention of the present θελουσιν (the usual idiom), just like our English. Their embarrassment was manifest after four inquiries already (Peter, Thomas, Philip, Judas). So Jesus takes the initiative.