King James Version

What Does John 14:16 Mean?

John 14:16 in the King James Version says “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:16 · KJV


Context

14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. comfortless: or, orphans


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus promises 'I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter' (kago eroteso ton patera kai allon parakleton dosei hymin). The verb erotao (pray, request) indicates Jesus' intercession. The Father gives 'another' (allon) Comforter - another of the same kind, implying Jesus Himself has been their Paraclete. Parakletos means advocate, comforter, helper, counselor - one called alongside to aid. The promise continues: 'that he may abide with you for ever' (hina meth' hymon eis ton aiona menein). The Spirit's indwelling is permanent (eis ton aiona, forever), contrasting with Jesus' temporary physical presence. This promise addresses disciples' anxiety about Jesus' departure - He will not abandon them but will provide another Paraclete. The Spirit continues and extends Jesus' ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The promise of the Paraclete is unique to John's Gospel and central to Johannine theology. In Jewish thought, God's Spirit empowered prophets and leaders temporarily. Jesus promises permanent indwelling. Pentecost (Acts 2) inaugurates fulfillment - the Spirit descends on the church. Church Fathers debated the Spirit's identity and relationship to Father and Son, leading to Trinitarian formulations at Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). The Filioque controversy (whether Spirit proceeds from Father alone or from Father and Son) divided East and West. This verse became foundational to pneumatology. Modern charismatic renewal emphasizes the Spirit's present activity. The verse assures believers that Christ's ascension did not leave them orphaned but initiated Spirit-indwelling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the Holy Spirit 'another' Comforter like Jesus, and how does He continue Christ's ministry?
  2. What difference does the Spirit's permanent indwelling make compared to Jesus' temporary physical presence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγὼ2 of 17

I

G1473

i, me

ἐρωτήσω3 of 17

will pray

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

τὸν4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα5 of 17

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

καὶ6 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄλλον7 of 17

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

παράκλητον8 of 17

Comforter

G3875

an intercessor, consoler

δώσει9 of 17

he shall give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὑμῖν10 of 17

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἵνα11 of 17

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μένῃ12 of 17

he may abide

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

μεθ'13 of 17

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν14 of 17

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς15 of 17

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰῶνα17 of 17

ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 14:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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