John 14:17

KJV

[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even the Spirit {G4151} of truth {G225}; whom {G3739} the world {G2889} cannot {G3756}{G1410} receive {G2983}, because {G3754} it seeth {G2334} him {G846} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} knoweth {G1097} him {G846}: but {G1161} ye {G5210} know {G1097} him {G846}; for {G3754} he dwelleth {G3306} with {G3844} you {G5213}, and {G2532} shall be {G2071} in {G1722} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees nor knows him. You know him, because he is staying with you and will be united with you.

Berean Standard Bible

the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

American Standard Version

even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 14:17, Jesus introduces the "Spirit of truth" as the divine Helper who will indwell believers, contrasting the world's inability to receive or comprehend Him with the intimate, experiential knowledge and abiding presence granted to His disciples. This verse underscores the Spirit's essential role in revealing divine reality and establishing a profound, transformative relationship with those who follow Christ, marking a pivotal transition from Jesus' physical presence to the Spirit's permanent indwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 14:17 is an integral part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse, spanning [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") through [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This discourse, delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion, serves to prepare them for His imminent departure. Following the promise of "another Helper" in [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Helper"), Jesus immediately identifies this Helper as "the Spirit of truth." The subsequent verses (e.g., [John 14:18-20](/john/14-18-20 "John 14:18-20 - Jesus Promises His Return")) further elaborate on the Spirit's role in maintaining Jesus' presence with His followers, ensuring they will not be left as orphans. This section of John's Gospel emphasizes the continuity of God's presence and guidance through the person of the Holy Spirit, even after Jesus' physical ascension.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a divine spirit or presence was not entirely alien to first-century Judaism, with references to the "Spirit of God" (Ruach Elohim) in the Old Testament, often associated with prophecy, wisdom, and divine empowerment (e.g., [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Hovering Over Waters"), [Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - Spirit on the Elders")). However, Jesus' promise of the Spirit's indwelling was revolutionary, moving beyond temporary empowerment to a permanent, personal residence within believers, a hallmark of the New Covenant. The "world" (Greek: _kosmos_) in John's Gospel often refers to humanity organized in opposition to God, governed by earthly values and unable to perceive spiritual truths (e.g., [John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - The World Did Not Know Him")). This worldview, focused on the visible and tangible, inherently resists the invisible, spiritual reality of the Holy Spirit.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within John's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it clarifies **the identity and nature of the Holy Spirit**, presenting Him as the "Spirit of truth," emphasizing His role in revealing divine reality and guiding believers into all truth, as further explained in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth"). Secondly, it highlights the **contrast between the "world" and believers** in their capacity to receive and know God. The world, characterized by spiritual blindness, cannot perceive the Spirit, while believers possess an intimate, experiential knowledge. This distinction underscores the necessity of spiritual regeneration to apprehend divine things, a concept echoed in [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand Spiritual Things"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the profound theme of the **Spirit's indwelling presence** ("he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you"), which is central to the New Covenant and the believer's empowerment for life and ministry. This promise signifies a new, intimate relationship with God, where His Spirit permanently resides within His people, as detailed in [Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit's Indwelling and Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In this context, _pneûma_ specifically refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, emphasizing His divine nature and vital, life-giving essence.
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** From G225, meaning "truth, true, verity." This term signifies divine reality, faithfulness, and the antithesis of falsehood. When applied to the Spirit, it indicates His role as the revealer of God's authentic nature, His word, and His will, guiding believers away from deception and into spiritual understanding.
* **Knoweth (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications... to be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand." This is not merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. The world's inability to "know" the Spirit implies a lack of intimate, personal relationship and spiritual perception, while the disciples' knowledge signifies a profound, transformative connection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even the Spirit of truth;"**: Jesus identifies the promised Helper as the "Spirit of truth." This title underscores the Spirit's divine nature and His essential function as the revealer and embodiment of truth. He is the one who will illuminate God's word, expose deception, and guide believers into a deeper understanding of reality as defined by God. This phrase establishes the Spirit's character and mission.
* **"whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:"**: This clause highlights a stark spiritual dichotomy. The "world" (G2889, _kósmos_), representing humanity apart from God, is inherently incapable of receiving the Spirit. Their inability stems from a spiritual blindness ("seeth him not") and a lack of experiential relationship ("neither knoweth him"). The world's perception is limited to the physical realm, rendering them unable to discern or accept an invisible, spiritual reality. This inability to "receive" (G2983, _lambánō_, to take hold of or accept) implies a fundamental spiritual resistance or incapacity.
* **"but ye know him;"**: In stark contrast to the world, Jesus affirms that His disciples "know" the Spirit. This "knowing" (G1097, _ginṓskō_) is not superficial but a deep, personal, and experiential understanding. It signifies an intimate relationship and spiritual discernment that has been granted to them through their connection with Jesus. This knowledge is foundational to their ability to receive and host the Spirit.
* **"for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."**: This final clause provides the reason for the disciples' unique knowledge and reception of the Spirit. The Spirit was already "with" them (G3844, _pará_, near, beside) in a preparatory sense during Jesus' earthly ministry, as He was present and active through Christ. The profound promise, however, is that He "shall be in you" (G1722, _en_, in, within). This signifies a future, permanent, and internal indwelling, a characteristic of the New Covenant inaugurated at Pentecost. This internal presence ensures continuous guidance, comfort, and empowerment for believers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the spiritual divide between the "world" and believers. The world's inability to "receive," "see," or "know" the Spirit is sharply contrasted with the disciples' intimate knowledge and the promise of the Spirit's indwelling. This contrast emphasizes the unique spiritual privilege granted to those who follow Christ. Furthermore, **Personification** is evident in the way the Spirit is spoken of as a distinct person who can be seen, known, received, and who dwells. This reinforces the Spirit's personal agency and divine identity, rather than merely an abstract force. Finally, the promise that the Spirit "shall be in you" serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the Pentecost event (Acts 2) and the new covenant reality where God's Spirit permanently indwells believers, transforming them from within.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 14:17 is a profound theological statement on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, deeply integrated into the broader narrative of salvation history. It highlights the Trinitarian nature of God, with Jesus promising the Spirit as "another Helper" (John 14:16), distinct yet co-equal, sent by the Father. The Spirit's title, "Spirit of truth," underscores His role in revealing divine reality, convicting of sin, and guiding believers into all righteousness, thereby continuing Christ's work of truth-telling and revelation. This indwelling presence of the Spirit is the hallmark of the New Covenant, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of God dwelling among and within His people, transforming hearts and minds. It establishes an intimate, personal relationship between God and His followers, empowering them for a life of obedience and witness, a privilege denied to those who reject Christ and remain spiritually blind.

* [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Explains the Spirit's Coming")
* [Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Romans 8:14 - Led by the Spirit of God")
* [1 John 4:6](/1_john/4-6 "1 John 4:6 - Spirit of Truth and Spirit of Error")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 14:17 offers immense comfort and profound implications for believers today, reminding us that we are never left alone. The Holy Spirit, the very "Spirit of truth," indwells every true follower of Christ, providing constant companionship, comfort, and divine guidance. This indwelling presence is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that empowers us to navigate a world often confused by spiritual matters, discerning truth from falsehood. It means we have an internal compass, a divine Counselor who illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, and enables us to live a life pleasing to God. Our response to this incredible gift should be one of deep gratitude, active listening, and humble obedience. We are called to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Spirit, allowing His transforming power to shape our thoughts, words, and actions, leading us into greater conformity to the image of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the "Spirit of truth" indwelling believers bring comfort and assurance in your daily life?**
* **In what ways does the Holy Spirit help you discern truth from error in the world today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consciously acknowledge and yield to the Spirit's indwelling presence and guidance?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "the world cannot receive" the Spirit of truth?**

Answer: When Jesus states that "the world cannot receive" the Spirit, He is referring to humanity apart from God, those who are spiritually unregenerate and resistant to divine truth. The Greek word for "world" here, _kosmos_ (G2889), often denotes the fallen human system or society that is alienated from God and hostile to His ways. Because the world's perception is limited to the physical and rational, it lacks the spiritual capacity to discern or accept the Holy Spirit, who operates on a spiritual plane. They do not "see" Him in a spiritual sense, nor do they "know" Him experientially, as they have not opened themselves to God's revelation through Christ. This inability is not a lack of opportunity but a spiritual blindness and unwillingness to embrace the truth, as highlighted in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 14:17 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. While Jesus' physical presence was limited to a specific time and place, His promise of the "Spirit of truth" ensures His continuous, intimate presence with His disciples. The Spirit's coming, as explicitly stated by Jesus in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Explains the Spirit's Coming"), was contingent upon His departure and glorification. Thus, the indwelling of the Spirit is a direct result and a glorious extension of Christ's finished work on the cross and His ascension to the Father. The Spirit comes to bear witness to Christ ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit Will Testify About Me")), to glorify Him ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Will Glorify Me")), and to empower believers to live out the new life found in Christ. He enables believers to "know" Jesus experientially, transforming them into His likeness, and uniting them as the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - Baptized by One Spirit")). Therefore, the Spirit's indwelling is not merely a comfort but the very means by which Christ's life, truth, and power are made real and active within every believer, fulfilling His promise to never leave His own ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Great Commission and Promise")).

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

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

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:

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 John 4:6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.