John 15:26

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G3752} the Comforter {G3875} is come {G2064}, whom {G3739} I {G1473} will send {G3992} unto you {G5213} from {G3844} the Father {G3962}, even the Spirit {G4151} of truth {G225}, which {G3739} proceedeth {G1607} from {G3844} the Father {G3962}, he {G1565} shall testify {G3140} of {G4012} me {G1700}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send you from the Father — the Spirit of Truth, who keeps going out from the Father — he will testify on my behalf.

Berean Standard Bible

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.

American Standard Version

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 bear witness of me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 15:26 is a profound declaration by Jesus to His disciples during His Farewell Discourse, promising the advent of the Holy Spirit. This verse reveals the Spirit's divine origin, being sent by Jesus from the Father, and explicitly names Him as "the Comforter" and "the Spirit of truth." Crucially, it defines the Spirit's primary mission: to bear witness to Jesus Christ, thereby providing comfort, guidance, and empowering the disciples for their future ministry in a world hostile to the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 15:26 is nestled within Jesus' extensive Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the [vine and the branches](/john/15-1-17 "John 15:1-17 - Jesus the True Vine"), emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him for spiritual fruitfulness. Following this, He warns His disciples about the world's inevitable hatred and persecution, explaining that they will be hated just as He was hated ([John 15:18-25](/john/15-18-25 "John 15:18-25 - The World's Hatred")). In this context of impending departure and promised opposition, the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 15:26 serves as a vital assurance of divine presence, comfort, and empowerment. It builds upon earlier promises of the Spirit found in [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus' Comforting Words"), particularly [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of Another Helper") and [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, being Jewish, would have a foundational understanding of the Spirit of God (Ruach Elohim) from the Old Testament, where the Spirit empowered prophets, kings, and craftsmen, and was involved in creation. However, Jesus introduces a new, intimate, and indwelling relationship with the Spirit, distinct from the Old Testament's more episodic encounters. The concept of a "Comforter" or "Paraclete" (Greek: *paráklētos*) would resonate within a society familiar with legal advocates, counselors, or those called alongside to assist. Jesus' departure would leave the disciples feeling vulnerable and alone, especially in the face of the "world's hatred" He just described. The promise of the Spirit, therefore, addresses their immediate fears and future challenges, providing a divine replacement for Jesus' physical presence and an empowering agent for their mission in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit:** This verse is foundational to Christian pneumatology, clearly identifying the Holy Spirit as a distinct divine person, "the Comforter" and "the Spirit of truth," with a specific mission to testify of Christ. It underscores the Spirit's role as the divine presence and guide for believers after Jesus' ascension.
* **Trinitarian Relationships:** The verse beautifully articulates the distinct yet unified roles within the Godhead. Jesus states, "whom I will send unto you from the Father," indicating His active role in the Spirit's mission, while the Spirit "proceedeth from the Father." This highlights the [interconnectedness and cooperation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Trinity at Work"), affirming their co-equality and distinct functions in the plan of salvation.
* **Witness and Testimony:** The core purpose of the Spirit's coming is "he shall testify of me." This theme is central to John's Gospel, where [Jesus constantly testifies of Himself and the Father](/john/8-14 "John 8:14 - Jesus' Self-Testimony"), and now the Spirit continues this testimony. This prepares the disciples for their own role as witnesses, empowered by the Spirit, as seen in [John 15:27](/john/15-27 "John 15:27 - Disciples' Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia_):** This word signifies not merely factual accuracy, but divine reality, faithfulness, and integrity. When the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth," it emphasizes His nature as the source and revealer of God's ultimate reality, contrasting with the world's deception and falsehood. He guides believers into all truth, particularly the truth about Jesus Christ.
* **Proceedeth (Greek, _ekporeúomai_):** This term denotes the Spirit's eternal origin and relationship within the Godhead. It signifies that the Spirit has His source "from the Father," a profound theological statement affirming His divine nature and unique procession within the Trinity, distinct from the Son's eternal generation.
* **Testify (Greek, _martyréō_):** To bear witness, give evidence, or confirm a truth. This highlights the Holy Spirit's primary mission: to reveal, confirm, and glorify Jesus Christ. The Spirit's testimony is not His own independent message but is always centered on Christ, validating His identity, His teachings, His saving work, and His ongoing Lordship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the Comforter is come":** This clause introduces the promised Helper, the *Paraclete*, whose arrival is a future event contingent upon Jesus' departure. The term "Comforter" (KJV) captures aspects of advocate, counselor, helper, and intercessor, indicating the multifaceted support the Spirit will provide.
* **"whom I will send unto you from the Father":** This phrase reveals the divine initiative and authority behind the Spirit's mission. Jesus explicitly states His active role in sending the Spirit, demonstrating His divine authority and the Spirit's mission being fully aligned with the Son's will, yet originating from the Father.
* **"[even] the Spirit of truth":** This is a descriptive title for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His essential nature. He is the embodiment and revealer of divine reality, guiding believers into a true understanding of God, His Word, and His Son.
* **"which proceedeth from the Father":** This is a profound theological statement about the Holy Spirit's eternal origin and relationship within the Trinity. It affirms the Spirit's divine nature and His unique procession from the Father, distinguishing His hypostatic relation from that of the Son.
* **"he shall testify of me":** This climactic statement declares the ultimate purpose and mission of the Holy Spirit's coming. The Spirit's work is fundamentally Christ-centered; He bears witness to Jesus, revealing His identity, His saving work, and His glory to the disciples and, through them, to the world.

#### Literary Devices
John 15:26 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Personification** is evident as the Holy Spirit is consistently presented as a distinct person, using the pronoun "he" and attributing to Him the active verb "shall testify." This emphasizes the Spirit's personal agency rather than His being an impersonal force. The use of **Titles/Appellations** such as "the Comforter" (Paraclete) and "the Spirit of truth" are highly significant. These titles are not mere descriptors but reveal the very nature, character, and function of the Holy Spirit in relation to God and humanity. Furthermore, there is an **implied antithesis** within the broader context of John 15. The "Spirit of truth" is promised in contrast to the "world" (John 15:18-19) which is characterized by hatred, falsehood, and opposition to Jesus. The Spirit's coming ensures that the disciples will possess divine truth and comfort in the face of the world's deception and hostility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:26 is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the ongoing work of God in the world. It vividly portrays the distinct yet harmonious roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the divine economy of salvation. The Father is the ultimate source, the Son is the sender, and the Spirit is the one sent, whose mission is to glorify the Son and reveal truth. This verse underscores that the Spirit's work is never independent but always points to Christ, ensuring that the focus of faith remains on Jesus and His finished work. The Spirit's testimony empowers the Church to continue Jesus' mission, making His presence and truth known across generations, providing comfort and conviction in a world that often rejects Christ.

* [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of Another Helper")
* [John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "The Spirit Glorifies Christ")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 15:26 offers profound comfort and clarity for believers today. In a world often characterized by confusion, fear, and hostility towards Christian truth, the promise of the Holy Spirit as "the Comforter" assures us that we are never alone. He is our divine advocate, counselor, and helper, providing strength and peace in times of distress and uncertainty. As "the Spirit of truth," He continues to illuminate God's Word, guiding us into deeper understanding and discernment, protecting us from error and deception. This verse reminds us that our primary call as believers is to bear witness to Christ, and it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us for this task. He convicts hearts, reveals Jesus' glory, and enables us to articulate the Gospel with clarity and power. Our lives, therefore, should be a continuous testament to Jesus, empowered and guided by the indwelling Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as "Comforter" and "Spirit of truth" address your deepest needs and fears today?**
* **In what specific ways does the Holy Spirit "testify of Christ" in your life and through your witness?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding biblical truth and navigating the world's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "Comforter" (Paraclete)?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "Comforter" in the KJV is *Paraclete* (παράκλητος). This term is rich with meaning, encompassing several roles: an advocate (one who pleads another's cause, like a legal counsel), a helper (one who comes alongside to assist), a counselor (one who advises), and an intercessor (one who appeals on behalf of another). In [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of Another Helper"), Jesus promises "another Comforter," implying the Spirit will fulfill a role similar to Jesus' own ministry of advocacy and support for His disciples. Thus, the Holy Spirit is the divine presence who provides comfort, strength, guidance, and defense for believers.

**How does the Spirit "proceed from the Father"?**

Answer: The phrase "which proceedeth from the Father" is a profound theological statement concerning the eternal origin and relationship of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. It indicates that the Father is the ultimate source of the Spirit's being. This concept, known as the "procession" of the Spirit, distinguishes His relationship to the Father from that of the Son (who is "begotten" or "generated" from the Father). While a mystery, it affirms the Spirit's full deity and His distinct, yet co-equal, personhood within the Godhead, highlighting the divine order and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

**Why does the Spirit "testify of me" (Jesus)?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit's mission is fundamentally Christ-centered. When Jesus says the Spirit "shall testify of me," He means that the Spirit's work is to reveal, confirm, and glorify Jesus Christ. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but always points to Jesus, illuminating His identity as God's Son, His teachings, His atoning work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing Lordship. This testimony convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and empowers believers to understand and proclaim the truth about Jesus, as further explained in [John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Glorifies Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing redemptive work initiated by Jesus and continued through the Holy Spirit. Jesus' promise of the Comforter, sent from the Father, signifies the culmination of God's plan to not leave His people orphaned. The Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"), was the fulfillment of this very promise, inaugurating the age of the Church and empowering believers to be Christ's witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The Spirit's primary mission to "testify of me" ensures that the focus of all divine activity remains on Christ. He illuminates the Scriptures, revealing the person and work of Jesus, making His finished work on the cross real and effective in the hearts of believers ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ Indwells Believers")). Through the Spirit, Christ's presence is made manifest in His Church, enabling believers to live out the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")) and to embody His love and truth in the world, thereby extending His saving reign until His glorious return.

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 14:16

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

John 14:17

[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.

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 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.

Acts 5:32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.