John 16:2 (KJV) says, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." This verse is part of Jesus' discourse with his disciples before his crucifixion, where he is preparing them for the persecution they will face as followers of him.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, telling them that they will face great persecution and opposition from the religious leaders of the time. The "they" in this verse refers to the religious leaders who will put the disciples out of the synagogues, or excommunicate them from the Jewish religious community. This would have been a significant form of social and religious rejection for the disciples.

The phrase "whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service" is particularly chilling. Jesus is warning his disciples that they will face such intense opposition that their lives will be in danger. These religious zealots who will seek to harm or kill the disciples will believe that they are doing God's will by eliminating these followers of Jesus. This is a warning of the intense persecution that the early Christians would face at the hands of the religious establishment and others who opposed the message of Jesus.

One of the key themes present in this verse is the theme of persecution for the sake of faith. Jesus is preparing his disciples for the reality that following him will not be easy or without consequence. This theme has been present throughout the history of Christianity, as believers have faced persecution and opposition for their faith in various forms. Jesus is reminding his disciples, and all believers, that standing up for the truth and following him may come at a cost, but that ultimately, they are doing God's will by remaining faithful.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of religious zealotry and misguided faith. The religious leaders who would seek to persecute and even kill the disciples would do so out of a misplaced sense of righteousness. They would believe that they were serving God by eliminating those who followed Jesus. This is a sobering warning about the dangers of religious extremism and the potential for harm that can come from those who believe they are acting in the name of God.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The idea of being put out of the synagogues represents not just a physical expulsion, but also a spiritual separation from the religious community to which the disciples belonged. This would have been a deeply painful and isolating experience for the disciples. The symbolism of those who would seek to kill the disciples believing they were doing God's will also speaks to the way in which religious fervor and zeal can be twisted and used for harmful purposes.

In conclusion, John 16:2 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful and sobering warning from Jesus to his disciples about the persecution and hardship they will face for following him. It speaks to the themes of persecution for faith, religious zealotry, and the potential dangers of misguided faith. This verse serves as a reminder to believers that following Christ may not be easy, but it is ultimately worth it, even in the face of opposition and persecution.