John 16:13-33
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.
A little while ( μικρον ). The brief period now till Christ's death as in 7:33; 13:33; 14:19.
Again a little while ( παλιν μικρον ). The period between the death and the resurrection of Jesus (from Friday afternoon till Sunday morning).
Ye shall see me ( οψεσθε με ). Future middle of οπτομα, the verb used in 1:51; 16:22 as here of spiritual realities (Bernard), though θεωρεω is so used in 20:14.
Some of the disciples ( εκ των μαθητων αυτου ). Ellipsis of time (some) before εκ as in 7:40. Jesus seemed to contradict himself, for the disciples took both verbs in the same sense and were still puzzled over the going to the Father of 14:3. But they talk to one another, not to Jesus.
We know not what he saith ( ουκ οιδαμεν τ λαλε ). The questions to Jesus cease and the disciples frankly confess to each other their own ignorance.
Jesus perceived ( εγνω Ιησους ). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω.
That they were desirous to ask him ( οτ ηθελον αυτον ερωταιν ). Imperfect active tense of θελω in indirect discourse instead of the retention of the present θελουσιν (the usual idiom), just like our English. Their embarrassment was manifest after four inquiries already (Peter, Thomas, Philip, Judas). So Jesus takes the initiative.
Ye shall weep and lament ( κλαυσετε κα θρηνησετε ). Future active of κλαιω and θρηνεω, both old words (for κλαιω see Joh 11:31, for θρηνεω see Mt 11:17), both words used of the loud lamentations so common in the east.
Shall rejoice ( χαρησετα ). Second future passive of χαιρω in violent contrast. Picture the women on the way to the Cross (Lu 23:27, εκοπτοντο κα εθρηνουν, two descriptive imperfects) and Mary Magdalene by the tomb (Joh 20:11, κλαιουσα ).
Ye shall be sorrowful ( λυπηθησεσθε ). First future passive of λυπεω, word for inward grief. See the change from sorrow to joy in 20:14-16 when "they disbelieved for joy" (Lu 24:41). So violent was the reaction on the sudden appearance of Jesus.
A woman ( η γυνη ). "The woman," any woman.
When she is in travail ( οταν τικτη ). Indefinite temporal clause, "whenever she is about to bear (or give birth)," οταν and present active subjunctive of τικτω, common O.T. image for pain.
Her hour is come ( ηλθεν η ωρα αυτης ). Second aorist active indicative, timeless aorist, "her hour" for giving birth which she knows is like a living death.
But when she is delivered of the child ( οταν δε γεννηση το παιδιον ). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and first aorist active subjunctive of γενναω. "But whenever she bears the child."
The anguish ( της θλιψεως ). Genitive case after μνημονευε of θλιψις, usual word for tribulation (Mt 13:21).
Is born ( εγεννηθη ). First aorist (effective) passive indicative of γενναω.
And ye therefore now ( κα υμεις ουν νυν ). See 8:38 for like emphasis on
ye ( υμεις ). The "sorrow" ( λυπην ) is like that of the mother in childbirth (real, but fleeting, with permanent joy following). The metaphor points, of course, to the resurrection of Jesus which did change the grief of the disciples to gladness, once they are convinced that Jesus has risen from the dead.
But I will see you again ( παλιν δε οψομα υμας ). Future middle of οραω, to see. In verses 16, 19 Jesus had said "ye shall see me" ( οψεσθε με ), but here we have one more blessed promise, "I shall see you," showing "that we are the objects of God's regard" (Westcott).
Shall rejoice ( χαρησετα ). Second future passive of χαιρω.
Taketh away ( αιρε ). Present active indicative, futuristic present, but B D have αρε the future active (shall take away). This joy is a permanent possession.
Ye shall ask me nothing ( εμε ουκ ερωτησετε ). Either in the sense of question (original meaning of ερωταω ) as in verses 19, 30 since he will be gone or in the sense of request or favours (like αιτεω in this verse) as in 14:16; Ac 3:2. In verse 26 both αιτεω and ερωταω occur in this sense. Either view makes sense here.
If ye shall ask ( αν τ αιτησητε ). Third-class condition, αν like εαν with first aorist active subjunctive of αιτεω. Note 14:26 for "in my name."
Hitherto ( εως αρτ ). Up till now the disciples had not used Christ's name in prayer to the Father, but after the resurrection of Jesus they are to do so, a distinct plea for parity with the Father and for worship like the Father.
May be fulfilled ( η πεπληρωμενη ). Periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive of πληροω in a purpose clause with ινα. See 15:11 for some verb (first aorist passive subjunctive with ινα ) and 1Jo 1:4 for same form as here, emphasizing the abiding permanence of the joy.
In proverbs ( εν παροιμιαις ). See on 10:6 for this word.
Shall tell ( απαγγελω ). Future active of απαγγελλω, to report, correct text and not αναγγελω (verses 13, 14, 15), as in 1Jo 1:2f.
Plainly ( παρρησια ). See on 7:13 for this word.
I say not ( ου λεγω ). "I speak not." Christ did pray for the disciples before his death (Joh 14:16; 17:9, 15, 24) and he prays also for sinners (Lu 23:34; 1Jo 2:1). Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus (Joh 14:21, 23; 17:23; 1Jo 4:19). Note αιτεω and ερωταω used in practically the same sense as in verse 23.
Loveth ( φιλε ). Present active indicative of φιλεω, the word for warm and friendly love, here used of God's love for the disciples, while in 3:16 αγαπαω occurs of God's love for the world.
Ye have loved me ( πεφιληκατε ). Perfect active indicative of φιλεω, "loved and still love me warmly."
And have believed ( πεπιστευκατε ). Perfect active indicative again. Recall the exhortation in 14:1.
I came out from the Father ( εξηλθον εκ του πατρος ). Definite act (aorist), the Incarnation, with repetition of εκ (out of), while in verse 27 we have παρα του πατρος εξηλθον ) with no practical distinction between εκ and παρα in resultant idea.
Am come ( εληλυθα ). Perfect active indicative of ερχομα, as in 18:37. The Incarnation is now a permanent fact, once only a blessed hope (11:27). His leaving the world and going to the Father does not set aside the fact of the Incarnation. Both αφιημ (I leave) and πορευομα (I go) are futuristic present indicatives.
No proverb ( παροιμιαν ουδεμιαν ). No wayside saying, no dark saying. See 10:6; 16:25.
Now know we ( νυν οιδαμεν ). They had failed to understand the plain words of Jesus about going to the Father heretofore (16:5), but Jesus read their very thoughts (16:19f.) and this fact seemed to open their minds to grasp his idea.
Should ask ( ερωτα ). Present active subjunctive with ινα in original sense of asking a question.
By this ( εν τουτω ). In Christ's supernatural insight into their very hearts.
From God ( απο θεου ). Compare παρα του πατρος (verse 27) and εκ του πατρος (verse 28), απο, εκ, παρα all with the ablative of source or origin.
Do ye now believe? ( αρτ πιστευετε; ). For αρτ (just now) see 9:19; 13:33, 37. Their belief in Christ was genuine as far as it went, but perils await them of which they are ignorant. They are too self-confident as their despair at Christ's death shows.
Cometh ( ερχετα ). Futuristic present middle indicative of ερχομα.
Yea, is come ( κα εληλυθεν ). Explanatory use of κα and the perfect active indicative as in 12:23. The long-looked-for hour ( ωρα ) is so close that it has virtually begun. The time for the arrest of Jesus is near. See also 17:1.
That ( ινα ). See verse 2 for this same use of ινα (not οτε ) with ερχομα ωρα.
Ye shall be scattered ( σκορπισθητε ). First aorist passive subjunctive of σκορπιζω, used in 10:12 of sheep scampering from the wolf. Cf. Mt 12:30; Lu 11:33.
To his own ( εις τα ιδια ). "To his own home" as in 1:11; 19:27. So Appian VI. 23.
Shall leave ( αφητε ). Second aorist subjunctive of αφιημ with ινα.
And yet ( κα ). Clear case of κα in adversative sense, not just "and."
That in me ye may have peace ( ινα εν εμο ειρηνην εχητε ). Present active subjunctive of εχω, "that ye may keep on having peace in me," even when I am put to death, peace to be found nowhere save in me (14:27).
Be of good cheer ( θαρσειτε ). Imperative active from θαρσος, courage (Ac 28:15). A word for courage in the face of danger, only here in John, but see Mt 9:2, 22; Mr 10:49.
I have overcome the world ( εγω, νενικηκα τον κοσμον ). Perfect active indicative of νικαω, to be victorious, to conquer. Always of spiritual victory in the N.T. See 1Jo 5:4f. This majestic proclamation of victory over death may be compared with τετελεστα ( It is finished) in Joh 19:30 as Christ died and with Paul's υπερνικωμεν (we are more than conquerors) in Ro 8:37.
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