King James Version

What Does John 16:7 Mean?

John 16:7 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from John chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 16:7 · KJV


Context

5

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

7

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.

8

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: reprove: or, convince

9

Of sin, because they believe not on me;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ declares His departure 'expedient' (Greek 'sympheron', beneficial, profitable)—a startling claim that His physical absence benefits believers more than His presence. The Comforter (Paraclete, meaning advocate, helper, counselor) cannot come unless Jesus departs, showing the Holy Spirit's ministry depends on Christ's finished work. The Spirit's coming means Christ's work multiplied through all believers, not limited to one location.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke this Thursday evening; by Sunday, His resurrection would confirm this promise. Pentecost (50 days later) fulfilled it. The disciples couldn't grasp this paradox—how could absence be better than presence?—until experiencing the Spirit's power (Acts 2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the Spirit's internal presence superior to Christ's external presence?
  2. In what ways do you depend on the Holy Spirit's ministry in your daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἀλλ'1 of 28

Nevertheless

G235

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

ἐγὼ2 of 28

I

G1473

i, me

τὴν3 of 28
G3588

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

ἀλήθειαν4 of 28

the truth

G225

truth

λέγω5 of 28

tell

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν6 of 28

for you

G5213

to (with or by) you

συμφέρει7 of 28

It is expedient

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

ὑμῖν8 of 28

for you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἵνα9 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐγὼ10 of 28

I

G1473

i, me

ἀπέλθω11 of 28

I go

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἐὰν12 of 28

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γὰρ13 of 28

for

G1063

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

μὴ14 of 28
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀπέλθω15 of 28

I go

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

16 of 28
G3588

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

παράκλητος17 of 28

the Comforter

G3875

an intercessor, consoler

οὐκ18 of 28

not

G3756

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

ἐλεύσεται19 of 28

come

G2064

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

πρὸς20 of 28

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς21 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐὰν22 of 28

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ23 of 28

but

G1161

but, and, etc

πορευθῶ24 of 28

I depart

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

πέμψω25 of 28

I 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

αὐτὸν26 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρὸς27 of 28

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς28 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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