CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/16-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/43_Jhn_16_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 16:7 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit " /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/16-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/16-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/16-6.htm" title="John 16:6">◄</a> John 16:7 <a href="/john/16-8.htm" title="John 16:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/16.htm">New International Version</a> But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/nlt/john/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. <a href="/esv/john/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is profitable for you that I should go away; for unless I go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/kjv/john/16.htm">King James Bible</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. <a href="/nkjv/john/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. <a href="/nasb_/john/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/nasb/john/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/nasb77/john/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/lsb/john/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/amp/john/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. <a href="/csb/john/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/hcsb/john/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don&#8217t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/asv/john/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. <a href="/cev/john/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you. <a href="/erv/john/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. <a href="/gwt/john/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the helper won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/gnt/john/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> But I am telling you the truth: it is better for you that I go away, because if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you. But if I do go away, then I will send him to you. <a href="/isv/john/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> However, I'm telling you the truth. It's for your advantage that I'm going away, because if I don't go away, the Helper won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/msb/john/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/net/john/16.htm">NET Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/nheb/john/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/wbt/john/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I depart; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Yet it is the truth that I am telling you--it is to your advantage that I go away. For unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/web/john/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But I tell you the truth; it is better for you that I go away, for if I may not go away, the Comforter will not come to you, and if I go on, I will send Him to you; <a href="/blb/john/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is profitable for you that I should go away; for unless I go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/ylt/john/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'But I tell you the truth; it is better for you that I go away, for if I may not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you, and if I go on, I will send Him unto you; <a href="/slt/john/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But I say the truth to you; it is profitable to you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Intercessor shall not come to you; and if I go, I will send him to you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/cpdv/john/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I am going. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But when I will have gone away, I will send him to you. <a href="/nabre/john/16.htm">New American Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. <a href="/nrsvce/john/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I tell you the truth, It is better for you that I should go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I should go, I will send him to you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “I tell you the truth: it is beneficial for you that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Redeemer of the accursed will not come to you, but if I depart I shall send him to you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But yet I tell you the truth: it is profitable for you that I go away. For if I go not away, the Paraclete will not come to you. But if I go away, I will send him to you. <a href="/godbey/john/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But now I tell you the truth; it is profitable to you that I may go away. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I may go, I will send Him to you.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Yet I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I went not away, the Comforter would not come to you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. <a href="/mace/john/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I do not go away, the advocate will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him to you. <a href="/wey/john/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Yet it is the truth that I am telling you--it is to your advantage that I go away. For unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. <a href="/worrell/john/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I go away; for, if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but, if I go, I will send Him to you,<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I should go away; for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/16-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5703" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/16.htm">The Promise of the Holy Spirit </a> …6Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things. 7<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheian (N-AFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth,</a> <a href="/greek/4851.htm" title="4851: sympherei (V-PIA-3S) -- From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.">it is for your benefit</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/565.htm" title="565: apelthō (V-ASA-1S) -- From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.">am going away.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">Unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/565.htm" title="565: apelthō (V-ASA-1S) -- From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.">I go away,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3875.htm" title="3875: Paraklētos (N-NMS) -- (a) an advocate, intercessor, (b) a consoler, comforter, helper, (c) Paraclete. An intercessor, consoler.">Advocate</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthē (V-ASA-3S) -- To come, go. ">will not come</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/4198.htm" title="4198: poreuthō (V-ASP-1S) -- To travel, journey, go, die. ">I go,</a> <a href="/greek/3992.htm" title="3992: pempsō (V-FIA-1S) -- To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. ">I will send</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you.</a> 8And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a> And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. <a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a> But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. <a href="/john/15-26.htm">John 15:26</a> When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. <a href="/acts/1-4.htm">Acts 1:4-5</a> And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. / For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a> Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. <a href="/romans/8-26.htm">Romans 8:26</a> In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a> My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. <a href="/john/7-39.htm">John 7:39</a> He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. <a href="/luke/24-49.htm">Luke 24:49</a> And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” <a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17-18</a> ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm">2 Corinthians 3:17-18</a> Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. / And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Galatians 4:6</a> And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/32-15.htm">Isaiah 32:15</a> until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.I tell.<a href="/john/8-45.htm">John 8:45,46</a> And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not… <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Luke 4:25</a> But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;<a href="/luke/9-27.htm">Luke 9:27</a> But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.It.<a href="/john/11-50.htm">John 11:50-52</a> Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not… <a href="/john/14-3.htm">John 14:3,28</a> And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also… <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.the Comforter.<a href="/john/7-39.htm">John 7:39</a> (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)<a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16,17,26</a> And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; … <a href="/john/15-26.htm">John 15:26</a> But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:but.<a href="/psalms/68-18.htm">Psalm 68:18</a> Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.<a href="/luke/24-49.htm">Luke 24:49</a> And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.<a href="/acts/1-4.htm">Acts 1:4,5</a> And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/11-17.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">Advocate</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">Comforter</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">Counselor</a> <a href="/john/13-1.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/john/11-50.htm">Expedient</a> <a href="/john/12-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/john/12-42.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/john/13-29.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/15-4.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/john/15-26.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/acts/16-21.htm">Advocate</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Comforter</a> <a href="/romans/11-34.htm">Counselor</a> <a href="/acts/1-4.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/john/18-14.htm">Expedient</a> <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/13-5.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/acts/5-14.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/john/19-35.htm">Telling</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/john/19-11.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/john/16-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/16-10.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">John 16</div>1. <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension;</a> 23. <a href="/john/16-23.htm">assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable.</a> 33. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/john/16.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>But I tell you the truth This phrase underscores the sincerity and authority of Jesus' words. The Greek word for "truth" is "aletheia," which signifies not just factual accuracy but also divine reality. Jesus, as the embodiment of truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>), assures His disciples that what He is about to say is not only true but essential for their understanding and spiritual growth. In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus' truth is a firm foundation.it is for your benefit The Greek word "sympherei" is used here, meaning "to bring together" or "to be profitable." Jesus emphasizes that His departure is advantageous for the disciples. This statement challenges the immediate emotional response of loss, inviting the disciples to trust in God's greater plan. Historically, this reflects the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the era of the Holy Spirit, marking a new phase in God's redemptive work.that I am going away The phrase "going away" refers to Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and ascension. This departure is not abandonment but a necessary step in the divine plan. Theologically, it signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly intercession. The disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission would deepen as they witnessed these events unfold.Unless I go away This conditional statement highlights the necessity of Jesus' departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "ean" (unless) introduces a condition that must be met for the subsequent promise to be fulfilled. This reflects the divine order and timing in God's plan, where each event is intricately connected to the fulfillment of His purposes.the Advocate The term "Advocate" is translated from the Greek "Parakletos," meaning "one who is called alongside to help." This title for the Holy Spirit encompasses roles such as Comforter, Counselor, and Helper. The Advocate's presence would empower the disciples, guiding them into all truth and equipping them for their mission. This promise assures believers of God's continual presence and support.will not come to you The coming of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon Jesus' departure. This highlights the unique roles within the Trinity and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The Spirit's coming would inaugurate a new era of intimacy and empowerment for the disciples, enabling them to carry forward the mission of Christ with divine assistance.but if I go This phrase reiterates the necessity of Jesus' departure. The "if" here is not a question of possibility but a statement of certainty. Jesus' going is part of the divine plan, and His assurance reflects the certainty of the Spirit's coming. This transition from Jesus' physical presence to the Spirit's indwelling presence marks a profound shift in how God relates to His people.I will send Him to you The promise of sending the Holy Spirit is a testament to Jesus' ongoing care and provision for His followers. The Greek verb "pempo" (to send) indicates a deliberate and purposeful action. This sending is an act of divine love, ensuring that the disciples are not left as orphans (<a href="/john/14-18.htm">John 14:18</a>) but are empowered to continue the work of the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit's presence would be a source of strength, guidance, and comfort, fulfilling Jesus' promise to be with His followers always.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) Nevertheless I tell you the truth.--The words He is about to utter are words of strange sound for the ears of disciples, and He prefaces them by an appeal to His own knowledge and candour in dealing with them, as in <a href="/john/14-2.htm" title="In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.">John 14:2</a>. The pronoun bears the weight of the emphasis, "I, who know all."It is expedient for you that I go away.--"There is no cause," He would say, "for the deep sorrow which has filled your hearts. It is for your advantage that I, as distinct from the Paraclete, who is to come, should go away" (<a href="/john/14-16.htm" title="And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;">John 14:16</a>). Yes; for those who had left all to follow Him; for those who had none to go to but Himself (<a href="/john/6-68.htm" title="Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.">John 6:68</a>); for those whose hopes were all centred in Him, it was--hard and incomprehensible as the saying must have seemed--an advantage that He should go away.For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.--Better, . . . the Advocate will not come unto you. (Comp. Excursus G.) For the connection between the departure of Christ and the coming of the Advocate, comp. Notes on <a href="/john/7-39.htm" title="(But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)">John 7:39</a>, and <a href="/acts/2-33.htm" title="Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this, which you now see and hear.">Acts 2:33</a>. We may not fathom the deep counsels of God in which the reason of these words is to be found; but the order fixed in these counsels was that the Son of Man should complete His work on earth, and offer the sacrifice of Himself for sin, and rise from the dead, and ascend to the Father's throne, before the Advocate should come. The Son of Man was to be glorified before the Spirit was to be given. Humanity was to ascend to heaven before the Spirit could be sent to humanity on earth. The revelation of saving truth was to be complete before inspiration was to breathe it as the breath of life into man's soul. The conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment could only follow the finished work of Christ. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7-33. - (9) The promise of the Paraclete. Verses 7-11. - (a) The threefold conviction of the world. The extraordinary fullness of suggestion in the following words, and the strong opinions entertained by different theological schools, render interpretation a difficult task. Verse 7. - Though you are crushed with a sense of your approaching bereavement, and so imperfectly apprehend the conditions of your future power and the method which it is incumbent upon me to adopt for your consolation and the completion of my earthly work, nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is wonderful that he who is the Truth itself should have needed, in such various forms, to have reiterated and affirmed the supreme right he possessed to claim their acceptance of his veracity. The truth, then, thus solemnly asserted, because in their then frame of mind it was so utterly unpalatable and incredible notwithstanding all that he had said - the truth is, It is expedient for you that I go away. The ἵνα ἀπέλθω clause simply defines that which is expedient, profitable to the disciples. Many commentators, holding everywhere the relic force of ἵνα, say, with Meyer and Lange, that "ἵνα marks fact considered with regard to the purposes destined to be accomplished by it." Here, however, the profitableness to the disciples is the chief and solitary thought. "For you:" here lies the gist of the mystery. They might have accepted his own assurance that, bitter as the mode of his departure must be, yet they ought, to and would rejoice because he was going to the Father. How was it possible for them to rejoice so far as they were personally concerned? He answers the question, For if I go not away - and surely this solemn departure meant, as he had recently told them, by the way of death and glorification - the Paraclete, of whom I have spoken, the Spirit of truth (see <a href="/john/15-26.htm">John 15:26, 27</a>), will not come to you; but if I go (πορευθῶ, to my Father; observe the form of the two conditional sentences, the degree of uncertainty as to the issue, to be determined by the result), I will send him to you (see notes on John 7:39. "The Holy Spirit," as the Divine dispensation of grace to men bringing a renewed humanity into living incorporation with its great Head, was not yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified). Jesus could not become the Divine Life-center of the human family, radiating from himself the full glory of a universal harmony, until he had been taken up, until he had been glorified in God. Unspeakably precious as many of our earthly gifts and friendships are, we do not apprehend them, nor profit by them to the full, until they are taken from us. The youth, submitted to the condition of perfect dependence on a parent's care and guidance, can scarcely ever reach the fullness of his manhood until he is thrown back upon the spirit of his father's counsel, apart from that father's presence, and brings into daily practice from a new standpoint the principles he has learned. So, without any hyperbole, nothing had ever been so wonderful and blessed to the human spirit as the fellowship which had prevailed between the Son of man and his disciples. They were with him, they sat at his feet, they watched his countenance, they experienced a continuous series of Divine surprises at his judgments and his mercies. They were walking by sight, as the children of Israel did, following the pillar of fire and cloud, and drinking of the living water; but they were nevertheless living by sight. Nevertheless, there was something more wonderful and gracious still, when, in his physical absence, they would have the sense of his spiritual presence. They would lose him as an earthly Friend, but they would regain him as a Divine Reality; they would discover more than his humanity in his God-Manhood. They would wield his Divine Word as their weapon, and would become the channels of his healing and convincing and judging powers. The promise, "I will send him," is the guarantee of something more than a "Christ after the flesh" could ever be. <a href="/commentaries/john/16-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. truth, ἀλήθειαν (alētheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. it is for your benefit συμφέρει (sympherei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4851.htm">Strong's 4851: </a> From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am going away. ἀπέλθω (apelthō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_565.htm">Strong's 565: </a> From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. Unless ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. I go away, ἀπέλθω (apelthō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_565.htm">Strong's 565: </a> From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Advocate Παράκλητος (Paraklētos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3875.htm">Strong's 3875: </a> (a) an advocate, intercessor, (b) a consoler, comforter, helper, (c) Paraclete. An intercessor, consoler. will not come ἔλθῃ (elthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you; ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. I go, πορευθῶ (poreuthō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4198.htm">Strong's 4198: </a> To travel, journey, go, die. I will send πέμψω (pempsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3992.htm">Strong's 3992: </a> To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. Him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you. ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/16-7.htm">NT Gospels: John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/16-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 16:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 16:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/16-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 16:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 16:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>