Joh 16:13-15 | RWP | e4.org | Howbeit ( δε ). One of the most delicate and difficult particles to translate, varying from "and" to "but." When he, the Spirit of truth, is come ( οταν ελθη εκεινοσ, το πνευμα της αληθειας ). Indefinite relative clause ( οταν and the second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομα , no futurum exactum ), "whenever he comes." Note εκεινος (masculine demonstrative pronoun, though followed by neuter πνευμα in apposition. See for this phrase about the Holy Spirit. He shall guide you ( οδηγησε υμας ). Future active of old verb οδηγεω (from οδηγος , from οδος , way, ηγεομα , to lead). See for "lead me into thy truth" ( οδηγησον με εις την αληθειαν σου ). Christ is both the Way and the Truth ( ) and the Holy Spirit is the Guide who shows the way to the Truth (verse ). This he does gradually. We are still learning the truth in Christ. From himself ( αφ' εαυτου ). In this he is like Christ ( ; ; ). He shall declare ( αναγγελε ). Future active of αναγγελλω , as in . See it also repeated in verse . The things that are yet to come ( τα ερχομενα ). Neuter plural articular participle of ερχομα , "the coming things." This phrase only here in the N.T. The things already begun concerning the work of the Kingdom ( .; ) not a chart of future history. See ; ; for ο ερχομενος (the coming one) used of the Messiah.

‏ John 16:13-15

Howbeit ( δε ). One of the most delicate and difficult particles to translate, varying from "and" to "but."

When he, the Spirit of truth, is come ( οταν ελθη εκεινοσ, το πνευμα της αληθειας ). Indefinite relative clause ( οταν and the second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομα, no futurum exactum), "whenever he comes." Note εκεινος (masculine demonstrative pronoun, though followed by neuter πνευμα in apposition. See 15:26 for this phrase about the Holy Spirit. He shall guide you ( οδηγησε υμας ). Future active of old verb οδηγεω (from οδηγος, from οδος, way, ηγεομα, to lead). See Ps 24:5 for "lead me into thy truth" ( οδηγησον με εις την αληθειαν σου ). Christ is both the Way and the Truth (14:6) and the Holy Spirit is the Guide who shows the way to the Truth (verse 14). This he does gradually. We are still learning the truth in Christ.

From himself ( αφ' εαυτου ). In this he is like Christ (1:26; 12:49; 14:10).

He shall declare ( αναγγελε ). Future active of αναγγελλω, as in 4:25. See it also repeated in verse 14.

The things that are yet to come ( τα ερχομενα ). Neuter plural articular participle of ερχομα, "the coming things." This phrase only here in the N.T. The things already begun concerning the work of the Kingdom (Lu 7:19ff.; 18:30) not a chart of future history. See Lu 7:20; Joh 6:14; 11:27 for ο ερχομενος (the coming one) used of the Messiah.

He shall glorify me ( εκεινος εμε δοξασε ). This is the glory of the Holy Spirit, to glorify Jesus Christ.

For he shall take of mine ( οτ εκ του εμου λημψετα ). Future middle of λαμβανω and a definite promise of the Spirit's guidance in interpreting Christ. One need only refer to Peter's sermon at pentecost after the coming of the Holy Spirit, to Peter's Epistles, to Paul's Epistles, to Hebrews, to John's Epistles, to see how under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit the disciples grew into the fulness of the knowledge of God in the face of Christ (2Co 6:4).

Therefore said I ( δια τουτο ειπον ). Jesus explains how and why the Holy Spirit can and will reveal to the disciples what they need to know further concerning him. They had failed so far to understand Christ's words about his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit as Guide and Teacher will teach them what they can only receive and understand after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.