So they kept asking, “What is this ‘little while’ he speaks of? We don’t know what he is talking about.”
In context
16A little while, and you will see me no longer; then a little while again, and you will see me.” 17Some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by telling us, ‘A little while and you will not see me; then a little while again and you will see me,’ and, ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18So they kept asking, “What is this ‘little while’ he speaks of? We don’t know what he is talking about.” 19Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I meant when I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me; then a little while again and you will see me’? 20Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn into joy.