The verse Luke 16:16 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." This verse comes in the context of a larger passage, in which Jesus is teaching about the use of money and the danger of serving two masters, namely God and wealth. In this verse, Jesus is making a pivotal statement about the kingdom of God and its significance in relation to the Old Testament law and prophesies.

One of the main themes in this verse is the changing of the era from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus is emphasizing that the time of the Old Testament law and prophesies has come to an end with the arrival of John the Baptist, who heralded the coming of Jesus as the Messiah. This verse signifies the shift in focus from the old covenant to the new covenant, in which the kingdom of God is proclaimed and made accessible to all who seek it.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning. In the previous verses, Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, who were lovers of money and derided him for his teachings. Jesus warns them about serving money and neglecting the true purpose of serving God. He then goes on to say that the law and the prophets were in place until the time of John the Baptist, but now, with the arrival of the kingdom of God, people are eager to be a part of it. This reflects a radical shift in the religious landscape, as Jesus brings a new message of salvation and the kingdom of God to the forefront.

The symbolism in this verse is multi-layered. The "law and the prophets" represent the entirety of the Old Testament scriptures, which were the foundation of Jewish faith and practice. John the Baptist's role as the last prophet of the Old Testament era signifies the transition to the new era of the kingdom of God, which Jesus inaugurated with his ministry, death, and resurrection. The phrase "every man presseth into it" conveys the urgency and fervent desire of people to be a part of the kingdom of God. This symbolizes the hunger for spiritual truth and salvation that Jesus' message evoked in people.

The key message of this verse is the inauguration of the kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus and the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant. It emphasizes the accessibility and openness of the kingdom of God to all who seek it, regardless of their background or status. This reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' teachings and his invitation to all to partake in the kingdom of God.

In conclusion, Luke 16:16 from the King James Version of the Bible is a pivotal verse that marks the transition from the Old Testament era to the New Testament era, with the arrival of the kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus. It symbolizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the kingdom of God and the urgency with which people sought to be a part of it. This verse holds deep theological significance and provides a profound insight into the changing tides of religious history as witnessed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.