King James Version

What Does John 16:13 Mean?

John 16:13 in the King James Version says “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but ... — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13 · KJV


Context

11

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Spirit of truth 'shall guide you into all truth' promises progressive illumination, not new revelation contradicting Christ's words. The Spirit doesn't speak 'of himself' but glorifies Christ—true Spirit-led teaching always exalts Jesus. The phrase 'all truth' refers to spiritual truth necessary for salvation and godliness, not omniscience. 'He will shew you things to come' enabled apostles to write prophecy (Revelation) and helps believers understand eschatology.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This promise primarily addressed the apostles who would write Scripture under Spirit's inspiration. The early church claimed this verse as justification for apostolic authority. The Spirit's teaching ministry continues in illuminating Scripture, not adding to it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern true Spirit-led teaching from false spirits (1 John 4:1)?
  2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your understanding of Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ὅταν1 of 29

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ2 of 29

Howbeit

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐρχόμενα3 of 29

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐκεῖνος4 of 29

he

G1565

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

τὸ5 of 29
G3588

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

πνεῦμα6 of 29

the Spirit

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

τῆς7 of 29
G3588

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

ἀληθείαν·8 of 29

of truth

G225

truth

ὁδηγήσει9 of 29

he will guide

G3594

to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))

ὑμᾶς10 of 29

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς11 of 29

into

G1519

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

πάσαν12 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὴν13 of 29
G3588

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

ἀληθείαν·14 of 29

of truth

G225

truth

οὐ15 of 29

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ16 of 29

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

λαλήσει17 of 29

he shall

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ἀφ'18 of 29

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτοῦ19 of 29

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀλλ'20 of 29

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὅσα21 of 29

whatsoever

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν22 of 29
G302

whatsoever

ἀκούσῃ23 of 29

he shall hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

λαλήσει24 of 29

he shall

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ25 of 29

and

G2532

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

τὰ26 of 29
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενα27 of 29

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἀναγγελεῖ28 of 29

he will shew

G312

to announce (in detail)

ὑμῖν29 of 29

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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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