John 16:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G235} I {G1473} tell {G3004} you {G5213} the truth {G225}; It is expedient {G4851} for you {G5213} that {G2443} I {G1473} go away {G565}: for {G1063} if {G3362} I go {G565} not {G3362} away {G565}, the Comforter {G3875} will {G2064} not {G3756} come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209}; but {G1161} if {G1437} I depart {G4198}, I will send {G3992} him {G846} unto {G4314} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the comforting Counselor will not come to you. However, if I do go, I will send him to you.

Berean Standard Bible

But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

American Standard Version

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 go, I will send him unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 16:7 stands as a profound declaration by Jesus to His distressed disciples, revealing the divine necessity and ultimate benefit of His impending departure. Far from being a loss, Jesus explains that His physical absence is a prerequisite for the advent of the Holy Spirit, whom He calls "the Comforter." This pivotal statement assures them that His going away is not abandonment, but a strategic move within God's redemptive plan, paving the way for a new, more profound, and universally accessible form of His presence and empowerment through the Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' Farewell Discourse, spanning [John chapters 13-17](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Farewell Discourse"). Having shared His final Passover meal and washed His disciples' feet, Jesus begins to speak openly about His imminent departure, suffering, and glorification. The disciples are profoundly troubled by these pronouncements, as evidenced by their sorrow in [John 16:6](/john/16-6 "John 16:6 - Disciples' Sorrow"). Jesus' words in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Necessity of Jesus' Departure") directly address their grief, offering a paradoxical truth: His departure, which they perceive as a great loss, is in fact for their ultimate benefit, enabling the coming of the Holy Spirit. This promise of the Spirit, first introduced in [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - Promise of the Spirit of Truth"), is reiterated and clarified here as a necessary consequence of His ascension.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse takes place in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room, on the eve of His crucifixion. The disciples, being Jewish, would have understood the concept of God's Spirit (Ruach Elohim) as active in creation, prophecy, and empowering individuals for specific tasks, as seen in the Old Testament. However, the idea of the Spirit indwelling *all* believers, universally and permanently, was a new paradigm. Furthermore, the disciples' cultural expectation was for a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom and remain physically present to lead them. Jesus' talk of leaving them contradicted these deeply held hopes, causing confusion and sorrow. His explanation in [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Necessity of Jesus' Departure") therefore challenged their earthly understanding of the Messiah's role and prepared them for a spiritual, rather than purely physical, continuation of His ministry.

* **Key Themes:** [John chapter 16](/john/16 "John 16 - The Work of the Holy Spirit"), and indeed the entire Farewell Discourse, is rich with theological themes. The necessity of Jesus' departure is a central theme, highlighted by His assertion that "It is expedient for you that I go away." This underscores the divine orchestration of salvation history, where Jesus' ascension is not an end but a crucial transition. Another paramount theme is the promise and person of the Holy Spirit, referred to as "the Comforter" or Paraclete. Jesus emphasizes the Spirit's role in continuing His work, guiding believers into truth, convicting the world, and empowering the church, as further elaborated in [John 16:8-15](/john/16-8-15 "John 16:8-15 - The Spirit's Work of Conviction and Guidance"). This transition from a localized, physical presence of Christ to a universal, spiritual indwelling of the Spirit is foundational to the New Covenant era and the global mission of the church, culminating in the events described in [Acts chapter 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia_):** Derived from _alēthēs_, this word signifies reality, veracity, and conformity to fact. When Jesus states "I tell you the truth," He emphasizes the absolute certainty and divine origin of His words, contrasting them with the disciples' current perception or emotional state. It highlights that what He is about to reveal is not merely comforting sentiment but a foundational spiritual reality.
* **expedient (Greek, _symphérō_):** This term, meaning "to bear together" or "to conduce," conveys the idea of advantage, benefit, or profit. Jesus' use of "expedient for you" underscores that His departure, though painful, is ultimately for the disciples' greater good and spiritual advantage. It implies a divine purpose that transcends human understanding, leading to a more beneficial outcome than His continued physical presence.
* **send (Greek, _pémpō_):** This primary verb means "to dispatch," often on a temporary errand, or to transmit and bestow. Here, it denotes Jesus' active role in commissioning and sending the Holy Spirit. It highlights His authority and intentionality in orchestrating the Spirit's advent, emphasizing that the Spirit's coming is not a random event but a direct act of the ascended Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless I tell you the truth;"**: Jesus begins with a strong affirmation, signaling the gravity and certainty of His subsequent statement. Despite the disciples' sorrow and misunderstanding, Jesus asserts that what He is about to say is absolute truth, a divine revelation essential for their understanding and future.
* **"It is expedient for you that I go away:"**: This is the core, paradoxical assertion. Jesus' departure, which the disciples perceive as a devastating loss, is declared to be for their ultimate benefit and advantage. His physical presence, while comforting, was limited by time and space. His going away would enable a more profound and expansive spiritual reality.
* **"for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;"**: Jesus explains the direct causal link between His departure and the Spirit's arrival. His ascension and glorification are necessary preconditions for the sending of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's coming is contingent upon Jesus' completion of His earthly mission and His return to the Father.
* **"but if I depart, I will send him unto you."**: This clause reiterates the necessity of His departure and explicitly states His active role in sending the Comforter. It emphasizes His authority and commitment to His disciples, promising that He will personally ensure the Spirit's advent, thereby transforming His localized presence into a universal, indwelling reality for all believers.

#### Literary Devices
John 16:7 powerfully employs **Paradox** and **Divine Irony**. The central idea—that Jesus' departure, which causes immense sorrow, is actually "expedient" or beneficial—is a profound paradox. Human logic would dictate that the presence of the beloved Master is always preferable, yet Jesus reveals a higher, divine logic where absence leads to a greater, more empowering presence. This also functions as **Divine Irony**, where the apparent setback (Jesus leaving) is actually the catalyst for a monumental spiritual advancement (the Spirit's coming). Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the day of Pentecost and the subsequent era of the Spirit's empowering work in the church. The "Comforter" is also a form of **Personification**, as the Holy Spirit is presented not as an abstract force but as a distinct Person who will actively "come," "send," and perform specific functions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 16:7 is a cornerstone for understanding the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, and the ongoing work of the Triune God. It underscores the necessity of Christ's atoning work and ascension for the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' departure is not a sign of weakness or abandonment, but the final, essential step in His redemptive mission, paving the way for the Spirit to indwell believers, empower them for witness, and guide them into all truth. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of the persons of the Trinity: the Son's departure enables the Father and the Son to send the Spirit, who then glorifies the Son and reveals the Father. It reveals God's perfect plan for equipping His people.

* [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Spirit as Teacher and Reminder")
* [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus' Exaltation and the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [Ephesians 4:8-10](/ephesians/4-8-10 "Ephesians 4:8-10 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts to the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 16:7 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating life's uncertainties. It teaches us to trust God's sovereign plan even when circumstances seem counterintuitive or painful. Just as Jesus' departure, though sorrowful, led to a greater spiritual reality for the disciples, so too can our perceived losses or difficult transitions be part of God's larger, beneficial design for our lives and for the advancement of His kingdom. We are reminded that we are never left alone; the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter, indwells every believer, providing constant presence, guidance, strength, and conviction. This empowers us to live a godly life, understand God's Word, and effectively bear witness to Christ in the world. Our effectiveness in ministry and our ability to live out our faith are not dependent on external circumstances but on the active, indwelling work of the Spirit. This verse calls us to embrace the Spirit's presence, relying on His power for every challenge and opportunity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the necessity of Jesus' departure change your perspective on perceived losses or difficult transitions in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit as your "Comforter," "Helper," or "Guide" in your daily walk with Christ?**
* **How does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empower you for witness and service in ways that Jesus' physical presence could not?**

### FAQ

**Why was it "expedient" or beneficial for Jesus to go away?**

Answer: It was expedient for several crucial reasons. First, Jesus' physical presence was localized; He could only be in one place at a time. His departure and ascension allowed Him to send the Holy Spirit, who could then indwell *all* believers, everywhere, at all times, making His presence universal and accessible. Second, Jesus' departure was necessary for His glorification and exaltation to the Father's right hand, from which He would send the Spirit as a fulfillment of His promise and a sign of His completed redemptive work. Third, the Spirit's coming initiated a new phase of God's redemptive plan, empowering believers to continue Jesus' mission with supernatural power, understanding, and unity, as seen in [Acts chapter 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

**Who is "the Comforter" that Jesus promised to send?**

Answer: "The Comforter" is the Holy Spirit, also known as the Paraclete (Greek: _Paráklētos_). This Greek term carries a rich array of meanings, including "Advocate" (one who pleads another's cause, like a legal counsel), "Helper" (one who comes alongside to provide aid and support), "Counselor" (one who offers guidance and wisdom), and "Comforter" (one who provides solace and consolation). The Holy Spirit fulfills all these roles for believers, acting as God's empowering presence within them, guiding them into all truth, convicting them of sin, and enabling them to live a Christ-like life and bear witness to the Gospel. Jesus refers to Him as "another Comforter" in [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - Jesus Promises Another Comforter"), indicating that the Spirit would continue Jesus' own work and presence among His disciples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 16:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the glorious reality of Jesus' ascension and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' departure was not an end but a necessary transition to His exaltation as Lord and Christ, as proclaimed by Peter in [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Peter's Proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Christ"). From His position of supreme authority at the right hand of the Father, Christ personally fulfills His promise to "send him unto you." The Holy Spirit's advent at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")) is the direct result of Christ's completed work and His enthronement. This means that the Spirit is the very presence of the ascended Christ, empowering His church to continue His mission on earth. The Spirit testifies of Jesus ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit's Witness to Christ")), glorifies Him ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Glorifies Jesus")), and enables believers to live in union with Him ([Romans 8:9-10](/romans/8-9-10 "Romans 8:9-10 - The Spirit of Christ Indwells Believers")). Thus, Jesus' departure was precisely the means by which His presence became more profound, pervasive, and powerful in the lives of His followers, ultimately establishing His spiritual reign over all creation.

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 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 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.