To ASK, request — one of John's two verbs for asking, and in this Gospel it never swaps places with the other. ⚠ When the DISCIPLES ask, it is always aiteō (John 14:13, 14:14, 15:7, 15:16, 16:23, 16:24, 16:26). When JESUS asks the Father it is always erōtaō, never aiteō. At 16:26 both stand in one verse. Grammarians have argued for a century over whether the distinction carries weight in Koine — that it is perfectly consistent across John is not in doubt. English and Spanish say 'ask'/'pedir' for both and the pattern disappears. → first discussed at John 14:13