King James Version

What Does John 7:39 Mean?

John 7:39 in the King James Version says “(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; b... — study this verse from John chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 7:39 · KJV


Context

37

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

40

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

41

Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John's parenthetical explanation clarifies that living water symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Believers would receive the Spirit after Jesus's glorification (death, resurrection, ascension). The phrase 'Holy Ghost was not yet given' doesn't mean the Spirit didn't exist, but that Pentecostal outpouring awaited Christ's completed work. Reformed theology emphasizes the ordo salutis—Christ's work precedes Spirit's application of redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament believers had the Spirit's work (regeneration, indwelling of some leaders and prophets), but Pentecost marked a new era—permanent indwelling for all believers, universal empowerment for witness. Jesus promised the Spirit's coming (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7-14), fulfilled in Acts 2. The early church understood their Spirit-empowerment as fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 and Jesus's promise. Church history shows periods of Spirit-emphasis (Montanism, Pietism, Pentecostalism) alongside periods of neglect.

Reflection Questions

  1. What changed at Pentecost regarding the Spirit's work?
  2. How does Christ's glorification relate to the Spirit's outpouring?
  3. What does permanent Spirit indwelling mean for believers today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
τοῦτο1 of 23

this

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 23

(But

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 23

spake he

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

περὶ4 of 23

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ5 of 23
G3588

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

πνεῦμα6 of 23

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

οὗ7 of 23

which

G3739

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

ἔμελλον8 of 23

should

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

λαμβάνειν9 of 23

receive

G2983

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

οἱ10 of 23
G3588

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

πιστεύοντες11 of 23

they that believe

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς12 of 23

on

G1519

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

αὐτόν·13 of 23

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

οὔπω14 of 23

not yet

G3768

not yet

γὰρ15 of 23

for

G1063

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

ἦν16 of 23

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

πνεῦμα17 of 23

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

Ἅγιον,18 of 23

the Holy

G40

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

ὅτι19 of 23

given because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

20 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς21 of 23

that Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

οὐδέπω22 of 23

not yet

G3764

not even yet

ἐδοξάσθη23 of 23

glorified

G1392

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


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 7:39 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 7:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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