John 16:23

In that day. That is, the era of the gift of the Holy Spirit (chs. 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14).

Ask me nothing. The word “ask” is used twice in this verse, in the first instance from erotao, in the second from aiteo. Erotao generally means to ask a question, in contrast to aiteo, which means to ask for something. This distinction may have been intended here.

In this case Jesus is informing the disciples that in the day of the gift of the Holy Spirit there will be no need for questions, for the Spirit would teach them all things (ch. 14:26). The disciples on this last night had asked many questions and had exhibited marked dullness of understanding (chs. 14:5, 8, 9, 22; 16:17). The Spirit would enlighten their minds and they would understand that which now appeared so enigmatic.

However, John also uses erotao in the sense of asking for something (see ch. 14:16, where it is translated “pray”). If John intended the same meaning here, then the contrast is between “ask me” and “ask the Father.” The disciples would no longer have Jesus’ bodily presence among them, but they could freely petition the Father in the name of Jesus, fully assured that their requests would be granted.

Verily. See on Matt. 5:18; John 1:51.

In my name. See on ch. 14:13.