John 14:16

KJV

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I {G1473} will pray {G2065} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} he shall give {G1325} you {G5213} another {G243} Comforter {G3875}, that {G2443} he may abide {G3306} with {G3326} you {G5216} for {G1519} ever {G165};

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—

American Standard Version

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 14:16 stands as a profound promise within Jesus' Farewell Discourse, revealing the Father's gracious provision of the Holy Spirit in response to Christ's intercession. This verse assures the disciples, and by extension all believers, of a perpetual divine presence through "another Comforter" who will indwell them eternally, thus ensuring they are never left orphaned but are continually guided, empowered, and comforted by God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 14:16 is nestled within Jesus' "Farewell Discourse" (John 13-17), a deeply intimate and instructive conversation with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. The preceding verses (John 14:1-15) address the disciples' troubled hearts, reassuring them of His return and their place in His Father's house, while also emphasizing the importance of obedience as a demonstration of love. Jesus' impending departure has caused them great distress, and this promise of "another Comforter" directly responds to their anxiety about being left alone, serving as a foundational assurance of God's continued presence and active engagement in their lives after His physical ascension. The promise here sets the stage for further elaboration on the Spirit's role in the subsequent verses of [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - The Farewell Discourse") and [John 16](/john/16 "John 16 - The Spirit's Work").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a teacher's departure often meant the end of a movement or the abandonment of disciples. Jesus' disciples, having left everything to follow Him, would have felt a profound sense of loss and uncertainty at the prospect of His leaving. They were accustomed to His physical presence, His direct teaching, and His miraculous interventions. The concept of a divine Spirit or "breath" (ruach in Hebrew, pneuma in Greek) was familiar from the Old Testament, where God's Spirit empowered prophets, judges, and kings, often for specific tasks or temporary periods. However, the promise of a permanent, indwelling "Comforter" for all believers was a revolutionary concept, signaling a new covenant reality distinct from previous dispensations. This promise would transform their understanding of divine presence and their capacity for ministry in a world hostile to the gospel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Trinitarian cooperation** in salvation, with Jesus praying to the Father, who then sends the Spirit. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' ongoing intercessory role**, demonstrating His continued advocacy for His followers even after His physical departure, a theme echoed in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). Thirdly, the promise of the Spirit's **permanent indwelling** ("abide with you for ever") marks a significant shift from the Old Testament's often temporary manifestations of the Spirit, establishing a new covenant reality of intimate and perpetual divine companionship for every believer. Finally, the introduction of the **"Comforter" (Paraclete)** emphasizes God's provision of comfort, guidance, and empowerment for His people in a world that would oppose them, ensuring the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His followers, as further explained in [John 15:26-27](/john/15-26-27 "John 15:26-27 - The Spirit's Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pray (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb, G2065, means "to interrogate; by implication, to request." While it can mean "to ask" or "beseech," in the context of Jesus addressing the Father, it denotes a request made from a position of intimate relationship and authority, not a subordinate plea. It highlights Jesus' unique access to the Father and His ongoing advocacy for His disciples.
* **another (Greek, _állos'_):** G243 signifies "another of the same kind." This is crucial. It implies that Jesus Himself was the first "Comforter" or "Paraclete" to His disciples, and now the Father will send a second, distinct person who will fulfill a similar role—one of presence, guidance, and advocacy—but in a new, permanent way.
* **Comforter (Greek, _paráklētos'_)::** This rich term, G3875, carries multiple layers of meaning. It is often translated as "Advocate," "Helper," "Counselor," or "Encourager." It describes one who is "called alongside" to provide aid, support, legal defense, or comfort. The Holy Spirit, as the Paraclete, fulfills all these roles for believers.
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** G3306 means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); to continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain." In this context, it emphasizes the Holy Spirit's permanent, unwavering, and continuous indwelling presence with believers, contrasting with Jesus' temporary physical presence.
* **for ever (Greek, _eis aiṓn'_):** This phrase combines G1519 ("to or into") with G165 ("an age; by extension, perpetuity"). Together, they convey the idea of "into the age" or "unto the age," signifying an eternal duration, without end. This underscores the permanence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, assuring believers that His presence is not temporary but everlasting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will pray the Father":** This clause reveals Jesus' active role as intercessor. Even as He prepares for His departure, He is not abandoning His disciples but is actively petitioning God the Father on their behalf. This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God's redemptive plan, where the Son's request initiates the Father's provision. It also foreshadows Jesus' ongoing high priestly ministry in heaven.
* **"and he shall give you another Comforter":** In response to Jesus' prayer, the Father will bestow a gift. The term "another Comforter" (Greek: _állos paráklētos_) is profoundly significant. "Another" implies that Jesus Himself has been their primary Comforter/Helper, and now one of the same kind, yet distinct, will be sent. This "Comforter" (Paraclete) is the Holy Spirit, who will assume the role of advocate, counselor, helper, and encourager, continuing Jesus' ministry among them.
* **"that he may abide with you for ever":** This final clause specifies the purpose and nature of the Holy Spirit's coming. Unlike Jesus' physical presence, which was temporal, the Spirit's indwelling is presented as eternal and unwavering. The word "abide" emphasizes a continuous, permanent dwelling within believers, ensuring that they are never truly alone or abandoned. This promise signifies a new, intimate, and perpetual relationship with God through the Spirit, a hallmark of the New Covenant.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:16 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Promise**, as Jesus explicitly states what He will do ("I will pray the Father") and what the Father will do in response ("he shall give you another Comforter"). This promise serves as a source of immense comfort and assurance to the disciples in their time of distress. There is also clear **Personification** of the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as "he" and described with actions like "abide," emphasizing His distinct personality and active ministry, rather than merely an impersonal force. Furthermore, the verse subtly employs **Contrast** between Jesus' impending physical departure and the Holy Spirit's promised eternal presence ("for ever"), highlighting the unique and permanent nature of the Spirit's indwelling compared to the temporary nature of Jesus' earthly ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:16 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and the Trinitarian nature of God. It clearly demonstrates the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in perfect unity for the redemption and sustenance of humanity. Jesus, the Son, intercedes with the Father, who, in turn, sends the Spirit. This highlights the Spirit's divine origin and His role as the active presence of God among His people. The promise of the Spirit's eternal indwelling fundamentally shifts the nature of God's relationship with humanity from an external, often temporary, interaction (as seen in the Old Testament) to an internal, permanent, and intimate communion. The Spirit's coming ensures the continuation of Christ's ministry on earth through His church, providing comfort, guidance, and power for all who believe.

* [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure")
* [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession")
* [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16 offers profound comfort and practical empowerment for believers in every generation. In a world often characterized by loneliness, confusion, and fear, the assurance that God has not left us orphaned but has sent His Spirit to permanently indwell us is a source of immeasurable peace. This means we are never truly alone in our struggles, decisions, or spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit acts as our constant Companion, our inner Guide, and our divine Enabler. He empowers us to live lives that honor God, convicts us of sin, illuminates the Scriptures, and strengthens us to bear witness to Christ. Recognizing the Spirit's indwelling presence transforms our perspective on daily life, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for divine guidance and strength. It calls us to live in conscious reliance on Him, cultivating a sensitivity to His promptings and a willingness to obey His leading, knowing that He is always working within us for our good and God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "another Comforter" (the Holy Spirit) alleviate your fears or anxieties about navigating life's challenges?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit acting as your Advocate, Helper, or Counselor in your life?**
* **What does the Spirit's "abiding with you for ever" mean for your daily walk with God, and how might it change your approach to prayer or decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Who is "another Comforter" that Jesus promises?**

Answer: "Another Comforter" refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Greek word is _Paraclete_ (paráklētos), which can be translated as Advocate, Helper, Counselor, or Encourager. Jesus uses "another" (állos) to indicate that the Spirit is of the same kind as Himself—meaning the Spirit will continue Jesus' work and ministry among His followers after His physical departure. The Holy Spirit's role is to be a constant divine presence, guiding, teaching, comforting, and empowering believers, just as Jesus did for His disciples during His earthly ministry. This promise is fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

**What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will "abide with you for ever"?**

Answer: The phrase "abide with you for ever" signifies the permanent and eternal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every true believer. Unlike the Old Testament era, where the Spirit's presence was often temporary or for specific tasks, under the New Covenant, the Spirit takes up permanent residence within the hearts of those who believe in Jesus Christ. This means that once a person is born again, the Holy Spirit will never leave them. He is a constant companion, a perpetual source of comfort, guidance, and power, ensuring that believers are never truly alone or abandoned by God. This eternal presence is a seal and guarantee of their salvation, as mentioned in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:16 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the completed work of Jesus on the cross and His subsequent ascension to the Father's right hand. It is precisely because Jesus accomplished His mission of atonement and resurrection that He could then pray the Father to send the Spirit. The sending of the Holy Spirit is not an independent act but the direct consequence and crowning glory of Christ's finished work. Jesus' departure was not an abandonment but a necessary step for the Spirit's advent, as He Himself states in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Advantage of Jesus' Departure"), "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." Thus, the "another Comforter" is Christ's own Spirit, extending His presence and ministry to every believer, everywhere, at all times. The Spirit empowers believers to live out the life of Christ, to understand His teachings, and to continue His mission, making Christ's presence real and tangible in the world through His body, the Church, until He returns. The Spirit's permanent indwelling ensures that the benefits of Christ's redemptive work are continuously applied to believers, empowering them to walk in newness of life and to bear witness to the resurrected Lord, thereby fulfilling Jesus' promise of an abiding, divine companionship that transcends His physical absence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7

¶ 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.

John 16:15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

Romans 8:26

¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.