“figuratively” (NIV) = “proverbs” (KJV) = paroimia = old word which comes from para (beside) and oimoj (way), a wayside saying or saying by the way. It can mean parables although the word for parable (parabole) is used in the synoptic gospels but not in John. Paroimia is used of a variety of clever sayings such as symbolic or figurative sayings, allegories, or ‘dark sayings’ which shadow forth some hidden truth. The implication of this word is that the meaning remains hidden from the casual listener and must be searched for and pondered before it is found. Jesus is saying that up till now He has spoken figuratively, with the figure not easy to understand, but that a time was coming when He would speak plainly to them about His Father. They understood Him to mean right then, but He apparently meant after His resurrection, when all things would become clear to them.