John 14:18

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

I will {G863} not {G3756} leave {G863} you {G5209} comfortless {G3737}: I will come {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209}.

I will not leave you orphans — I am coming to you.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.

Commentary

In John 14:18, Jesus offers a profound promise of enduring presence and comfort to His disciples during a time of immense uncertainty and sorrow. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian hope, assuring believers that they will never be truly abandoned.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive farewell discourse to His disciples, delivered during the Last Supper (John chapters 13-17). Jesus is preparing them for His imminent departure—His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the Father. The disciples are deeply troubled and fearful about losing their Lord, their teacher, and their protector. They feel a sense of impending loss and abandonment. Jesus addresses their distress directly, promising that their separation will not be permanent or leave them without divine support.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Assurance: The core message is that Jesus will not leave His followers in a state of spiritual orphanhood. Despite His physical departure, His presence would remain, albeit in a new form. This promise counters the disciples' fear of abandonment and provides a powerful assurance of God's unwavering care.
  • The Promise of the Holy Spirit: While "I will come to you" refers to Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, its deeper and ongoing fulfillment is through the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus later identifies the Spirit as "the Comforter" or "Helper" (John 14:26). The Spirit's indwelling presence means that Jesus, through the Spirit, is always with His people, fulfilling His promise of not leaving them comfortless. This is further elaborated in John 16:7, where Jesus states it is expedient for Him to go so the Comforter can come.
  • Hope Beyond Separation: This verse provides a powerful message of hope for believers facing loss, grief, or feelings of isolation. It assures them that the divine presence is constant, providing solace and guidance even in the most challenging circumstances. It also subtly points to the ultimate reunion with Christ at His glorious return.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "comfortless" translates the Greek word orphanos (ὀρφανός). While it literally means "orphan," it carries a broader sense of being desolate, helpless, or without a guardian or protector. Jesus' promise directly addresses this potential state of spiritual desolation, assuring His disciples that they would not be left like fatherless children or abandoned students. Instead, He would ensure their continued care and guidance through His Spirit.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 14:18 remains a vital source of encouragement. In moments of loneliness, sorrow, or uncertainty, this verse reminds us that we are never truly alone. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, indwells believers, providing constant companionship, guidance, and strength. This promise underpins the Christian's confidence in God's faithfulness and His unwavering presence, echoing His assurance in Matthew 28:20 to be with His disciples "alway, even unto the end of the world." It calls us to lean on the Spirit's comfort and to live with the assurance that Christ is truly with us, both now and until His glorious return.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 14:3 (25 votes)

    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

  • Psalms 23:4 (25 votes)

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

  • Matthew 18:20 (16 votes)

    For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

  • John 14:16 (15 votes)

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

  • John 14:27 (12 votes)

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • John 14:28 (12 votes)

    Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

  • Matthew 28:20 (11 votes)

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.