King James Version

What Does John 14:26 Mean?

John 14:26 in the King James Version says “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bri... — study this verse from John chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26 · KJV


Context

24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

25

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus identifies the Comforter: 'But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name' (ho de parakletos, to pneuma to hagion, ho pempsei ho pater en to onomati mou). The Father sends the Spirit 'in Jesus' name' - meaning by Jesus' authority and to glorify Him. The Spirit's ministry follows: 'he shall teach you all things' (ekeinos didaxei hymas panta). The pronoun ekeinos (that one) emphasizes the Spirit as personal agent, not mere force. The comprehensive panta (all things) indicates complete instruction in truth. The Spirit will also 'bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you' (hypomneses hymas panta ha eipon hymin). The verb hypomimnesko means to remind, to bring to mind. This promise assured apostles that the Spirit would enable accurate transmission of Jesus' teaching - foundational for New Testament formation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse provided crucial foundation for apostolic authority and New Testament canonization. The Spirit's promise to remind disciples of Jesus' words assured the church that apostolic testimony was reliable. Early church debates about which writings were authoritative appealed to apostolic authorship authenticated by Spirit-inspiration. Church Fathers distinguished apostolic teaching from later speculations based on this verse. Pentecost's gift of tongues (Acts 2) demonstrated Spirit-empowerment for witness. Throughout church history, this verse has validated Spirit-illumination while preventing subjective individualism - the Spirit does not contradict but illuminates Christ's revelation. Reformation sola scriptura relied on this: Scripture is sufficient because Spirit-inspired and Spirit-illuminated. Modern debates about ongoing revelation must account for this verse - the Spirit's teaching brings to remembrance Christ's words rather than adding new revelation independent of Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's teaching and reminding ministry relate to Scripture's authority and sufficiency?
  2. What is the difference between the Spirit reminding the apostles and the Spirit teaching believers today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
1 of 26
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 26

But

G1161

but, and, etc

παράκλητος3 of 26

the Comforter

G3875

an intercessor, consoler

τὸ4 of 26
G3588

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

πνεῦμα5 of 26

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ6 of 26
G3588

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

ἅγιον7 of 26

which is the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

8 of 26

whatsoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πέμψει9 of 26

will send

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

10 of 26
G3588

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

πατὴρ11 of 26

the Father

G3962

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

ἐν12 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ13 of 26
G3588

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

ὀνόματί14 of 26

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου15 of 26

my

G3450

of me

ἐκεῖνος16 of 26

he

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὑμᾶς17 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

διδάξει18 of 26

shall teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

πάντα19 of 26

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ20 of 26

and

G2532

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

ὑπομνήσει21 of 26

bring

G5279

to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory

ὑμᾶς22 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

πάντα23 of 26

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

24 of 26

whatsoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶπον25 of 26

I have said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὑμῖν26 of 26

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


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 14:26 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 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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