John 16:10

KJV

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G4012}{G1161} righteousness {G1343}, because {G3754} I go {G5217} to {G4314} my {G3450} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} ye see {G2334} me {G3165} no more {G3765};

Complete Jewish Bible

about righteousness, in that I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;

Berean Standard Bible

in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;

American Standard Version

of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and ye behold me no more;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:10, part of Jesus' Upper Room discourse, explains the Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of righteousness. This conviction stems from the undeniable proof of Jesus' perfect life and completed mission: His ascension to the Father, signifying divine acceptance and vindication, and His subsequent physical absence from the disciples' sight, which necessitates a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of His saving work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' profound farewell discourse to His disciples (John 13-17), specifically within the section (John 16:7-15) where He explains the necessity and ministry of the coming Holy Spirit. After promising the Spirit's advent as the "Helper" or "Advocate" ([Paraclete](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Advocate")), Jesus outlines the Spirit's three-fold conviction of the world: concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Verse 10 directly elaborates on the second point, "of righteousness," providing the reason for this conviction: Jesus' return to the Father and His subsequent invisibility to human eyes. This sequence reveals a logical progression, moving from humanity's failure (sin) to God's standard (righteousness in Christ) and finally to the inevitable consequence of rejecting that standard (judgment).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse takes place in Jerusalem, likely in the Upper Room, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. The disciples, steeped in Jewish messianic expectations, anticipated a triumphant earthly king who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory. Jesus' repeated predictions of His suffering and departure were deeply unsettling and confusing to them. Their understanding of "righteousness" would have been primarily rooted in the Mosaic Law and covenant obedience, often emphasizing external adherence. Jesus' teaching here redefines righteousness, linking it intrinsically to His person and His unique relationship with the Father, a concept that challenged their existing paradigms. His ascension, a concept only hinted at, would later become the ultimate validation in the eyes of the early church.
* **Key Themes:** John 16:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Perfect Righteousness and Vindication**. His return to the Father is the ultimate divine affirmation that He lived a sinless life and perfectly fulfilled God's will, completing His mission of redemption. This is not a defeat but an exaltation, demonstrating His [unique status as the Son of God](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father"). Secondly, it highlights **The Holy Spirit's Convicting Ministry**. The Spirit's role is not merely to comfort but to confront the world with its spiritual blindness, specifically its failure to recognize and embrace the true righteousness embodied in Christ. This conviction prepares hearts for repentance and faith, pointing them to the only source of true righteousness, Jesus Christ, as seen in passages like [John 3:20](/john/3-20 "John 3:20 - Light Exposes Darkness"). Finally, the phrase "ye see me no more" introduces the theme of **Faith Beyond Sight**. The disciples, who had walked with and physically seen Jesus, would now have to live by faith in an unseen Lord, guided by the Spirit's testimony. This foreshadows the entire Christian era, where believers encounter Christ not through physical sight but through spiritual revelation and faith, as Jesus himself states in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term refers to equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, justification. Here, it denotes Jesus' perfect conformity to God's will, His sinless life, and His successful fulfillment of His redemptive mission. His ascension to the Father is the ultimate proof of His complete righteousness, demonstrating that He fully satisfied all divine requirements and was therefore accepted and exalted by God. The Spirit convicts the world of this standard of righteousness, which humanity inherently lacks.
* **go (Greek, _hypágō'_):** From G5217, meaning "to lead (oneself) under," or "withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight)." In this context, it signifies Jesus' departure from the earthly realm and His return to the Father. This "going" is not a retreat of defeat but a purposeful movement towards exaltation and the completion of His work, culminating in His ascension. It is the definitive action that validates His righteousness.
* **see (Greek, _theōréō'_):** From G2334, meaning "to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))." Here, it refers to the disciples' physical perception of Jesus. The cessation of their physical sight of Him marks a transition from a tangible presence to a spiritual understanding and reliance on the Holy Spirit's testimony about the unseen, glorified Christ. The Spirit's conviction of righteousness becomes crucial precisely because Jesus is no longer physically visible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of righteousness,"**: This phrase identifies the second area concerning which the Holy Spirit will convict the world, following "sin" (John 16:9) and preceding "judgment" (John 16:11). It refers to the divine standard of perfect uprightness and right standing with God, which is fully embodied in Jesus Christ. The Spirit's work is to expose the world's failure to meet this standard and its inherent lack of true righteousness apart from Christ.
* **"because I go to my Father,"**: This clause provides the foundational reason for the Spirit's conviction concerning righteousness. Jesus' ascension to the Father is the ultimate proof of His perfect righteousness. His return to the Father signifies that His earthly mission was completed flawlessly, His sacrifice was accepted, and His life was entirely pleasing to God. It is the divine vindication of His person and work, demonstrating His absolute rightness and His unique status as the Son.
* **"and ye see me no more;"**: This final clause highlights the practical implication of Jesus' departure for the disciples and, by extension, for the world. His physical absence necessitates a new mode of understanding and relating to Him. The Spirit's conviction of righteousness becomes vital because Jesus, the embodiment of righteousness, is no longer physically present to be seen. Faith must now be placed in the unseen, glorified Christ, and the Spirit's testimony serves as the internal witness to His continued reality and saving power.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Cause and Effect** is central, as Jesus explicitly states that the conviction "of righteousness" is *because* He goes to the Father. His ascension is the cause, and the Spirit's conviction of His righteousness is the direct effect, validating His perfect life and accepted sacrifice. **Symbolism** is also present in "going to my Father," which symbolizes not just a physical departure but Jesus' ultimate vindication, exaltation, and return to divine glory. It represents the successful completion of His redemptive work and His acceptance back into the Godhead. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Antithesis** between "seeing" and "seeing no more." The disciples' previous physical sight of Jesus is contrasted with their future reliance on spiritual understanding and the Spirit's testimony about the unseen Christ. This highlights the transition from an era of physical presence to one of faith in the glorified, unseen Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:10 is a pivotal verse that anchors the concept of righteousness firmly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His going to the Father is the ultimate divine declaration of His perfect righteousness and the complete success of His atoning work. This means that true righteousness is not something humanity can achieve through its own efforts or adherence to law, but it is found solely in Christ. The Holy Spirit's role is to illuminate this truth, convicting the world of its inherent unrighteousness and pointing it to the perfect righteousness available through faith in Jesus. This conviction is essential for salvation, as it exposes humanity's need for a Savior who has already met God's righteous demands.

* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")
* [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:10 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to introspection. For the believer, it affirms the absolute completeness and divine acceptance of Christ's work. Our righteousness is not our own, but it is found in Him, secured by His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant ascension. This truth should lead to deep gratitude and confidence in our standing before God. For the world, the Holy Spirit continues His convicting work, demonstrating that true righteousness is not a human achievement but a divine gift, perfectly embodied in Jesus, who has returned to the Father. This conviction exposes the futility of self-righteousness and the desperate need for Christ. We are called to humbly acknowledge our spiritual bankruptcy and embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Him. Living by faith in the unseen Christ means trusting His finished work, relying on the Spirit's guidance, and allowing His perfect righteousness to transform our lives from the inside out, shaping our character and conduct to reflect His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' ascension to the Father deepen your understanding of His perfect righteousness and the completeness of His work?**
* **In what ways does the Holy Spirit convict you or the world around you concerning righteousness, and how should we respond to that conviction?**
* **What does it mean for you to live by faith in the "unseen" Christ, especially in a world that often demands tangible proof?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jesus' going to the Father proof of His righteousness?**

Answer: Jesus' ascension to the Father is the ultimate divine vindication of His life and ministry. In Jewish thought, to "go to the Father" implies returning to God's presence, which signifies divine approval, acceptance, and exaltation. If Jesus had been a sinner or had failed in His mission, He would not have been welcomed back into the glory of the Father. His return demonstrates that He perfectly fulfilled all of God's righteous requirements, lived a sinless life, and successfully completed His redemptive work on the cross. Therefore, His ascension is the irrefutable evidence of His absolute righteousness, establishing Him as the standard by which all humanity will be judged and the source of true righteousness for all who believe. This is a foundational truth for understanding the [gospel message](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel").

**What does "ye see me no more" imply for believers?**

Answer: The phrase "ye see me no more" signifies Jesus' physical departure from the earthly realm, marking the end of His bodily presence among His disciples. For believers, this implies a crucial transition from a faith based on physical sight and proximity to one based on spiritual understanding and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. While His physical presence is gone, His spiritual presence through the Spirit is even more pervasive and intimate. It means that our relationship with Christ is now sustained by faith, nurtured by the Spirit, and grounded in the unseen realities of His heavenly reign. This shift prepares believers to live by faith, trusting in the glorified Christ who is now at the Father's right hand, interceding for them, as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest").

**How does the Holy Spirit convict the world of righteousness today?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness today by continually pointing to Jesus Christ as the perfect standard of God's righteousness. He reveals humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts, exposing the hollowness of self-righteousness and legalism. The Spirit illuminates the truth that true righteousness is found only in Christ's finished work—His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection and ascension. By convicting the world, the Spirit creates a sense of spiritual need, drawing people to acknowledge their sin and embrace the imputed righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. This conviction is a gracious act, designed to lead individuals to repentance and salvation, as the Spirit continues to bear witness to Christ's saving power throughout the world, echoing the call to believe in the [Lord Jesus Christ and be saved](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - Believe in the Lord Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:10 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality of Jesus' ascension and His subsequent exaltation at the right hand of the Father. This "going to my Father" is not merely a departure but the triumphant coronation of the Son, signifying the completion of His redemptive work and His establishment as the righteous King and High Priest. His ascension is the ultimate proof of His perfect righteousness, validating His sinless life and accepted sacrifice, thereby fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a righteous Messiah who would perfectly fulfill God's will and reign eternally. As the resurrected and ascended Lord, Jesus now serves as our Advocate with the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")), and His righteousness is imputed to all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a righteousness not of human effort but of divine grace ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The Holy Spirit, sent by the ascended Christ ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")), now convicts the world of this very righteousness, drawing humanity to the only one who perfectly embodies and provides it, thereby fulfilling God's plan for salvation through the glorified Son.

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

Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Romans 10:4

For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: