King James Version

What Does John 16:14 Mean?

John 16:14 in the King James Version says “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 16:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

Read John 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. Jesus defines the Holy Spirit's central mission: to glorify Christ (δοξάσει με/doxasei me). The future tense indicates the Spirit's ongoing work from Pentecost onward. The verb δοξάζω (doxazō) means to honor, magnify, or render glorious—the Spirit exalts Christ, not Himself.

The phrase he shall receive of mine (λήμψεται ἐκ τοῦ ἐμοῦ/lēmpsetai ek tou emou) establishes the Spirit's economic subordination within the Trinity. The Spirit takes what belongs to Christ and reveals it to believers. This is not ontological inferiority but functional order in redemption.

Shew it unto you (ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν/anangelei hymin)—the Spirit declares, announces, proclaims Christ's truth. Any teaching that diminishes Christ or centers on the Spirit Himself contradicts the Spirit's own purpose. True Spirit-filled ministry magnifies Jesus, not spiritual experiences or manifestations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion (John 13-17). The disciples were confused and grieving at Jesus's impending departure. Jesus promises the παράκλητος (paraklētos)—Advocate, Comforter, Helper—who would continue His work after His ascension. In the first-century context, where the disciples had walked physically with Jesus for three years, the promise of the Spirit's ongoing revelation was both mysterious and essential. The early church experienced this at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Spirit empowered preaching that exalted the risen Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern whether teaching or worship is truly Spirit-led, given that the Spirit's purpose is to glorify Christ, not draw attention to Himself?
  2. What does it mean that the Spirit 'receives of Christ's'—how does this shape our understanding of revelation and spiritual insight?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christianity subtly shift focus from Christ to spiritual experiences, contradicting the Spirit's Christ-glorifying mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἐκεῖνος1 of 11

“He”

G1565

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

ἐμὲ2 of 11

“me”

G1691

me

δοξάσει3 of 11

“shall glorify”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ὅτι4 of 11

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ5 of 11

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ6 of 11
G3588

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

ἐμοῦ7 of 11
G1700

of me

λήψεται,8 of 11

“he shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καὶ9 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

ἀναγγελεῖ10 of 11

“shall shew”

G312

to announce (in detail)

ὑμῖν11 of 11

“it 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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 4:13-14John 15:262 Corinthians 3:14-18Revelation 19:101 Peter 1:10-121 Corinthians 12:3

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