John 7:39

KJV

(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.)

KJV (with Strong's)

(But {G1161} this {G5124} spake he {G2036} of {G4012} the Spirit {G4151}, which {G3739} they that believe {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846} should {G3195} receive {G2983}: for {G1063} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} was {G2258} not yet {G3768} given; because {G3754} that Jesus {G2424} was {G1392} not yet {G3764} glorified {G1392}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

(Now he said this about the Spirit, whom those who trusted in him were to receive later — the Spirit had not yet been given, because Yeshua had not yet been glorified.)

Berean Standard Bible

He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

American Standard Version

But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 7:39 serves as a crucial parenthetical explanation by the Apostle John, clarifying Jesus' earlier declaration about "rivers of living water" flowing from believers. This verse explicitly identifies the "living water" as the Holy Spirit, whom those who believe in Jesus would receive. It further stipulates that the full outpouring and indwelling of the Holy Spirit were contingent upon Jesus' glorification, encompassing His redemptive work through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 7:39 is an interpretive interjection by the evangelist, immediately following Jesus' climactic invitation during the Feast of Tabernacles. In [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "Jesus' Invitation at the Feast of Tabernacles"), Jesus stands in the Temple and cries out, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John's comment in verse 39 ensures that the reader understands the spiritual, eschatological nature of Jesus' promise, preventing a literal misinterpretation and connecting the "living water" directly to the Holy Spirit. This parenthetical note is characteristic of John's Gospel, where he often provides theological commentary on Jesus' words and actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three great annual pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, celebrating God's provision for Israel during their wilderness wanderings and looking forward to the Messianic age. A prominent ritual during this feast was the daily water-drawing ceremony (Nisuch HaMayim), where water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and poured out at the Temple altar, accompanied by prayers for rain and the outpouring of the Spirit. This ceremony, particularly on the "last day, that great day of the feast" (likely the seventh or eighth day), provided the backdrop for Jesus' dramatic declaration. The symbolism of water in the Old Testament often pointed to divine blessing, purification, and the Spirit's future outpouring, as seen in prophecies like [Isaiah 44:3](/isaiah/44-3 "God's Promise to Pour Water on the Thirsty") and [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25-27 "The Cleansing and New Spirit").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it clarifies **the identity of the "living water"** promised by Jesus in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "Jesus' Promise of Living Water"), unequivocally identifying it as the Holy Spirit. This spiritual refreshment and indwelling presence are promised to all who place their faith in Jesus. Secondly, it highlights **the timing of the Spirit's outpouring**, emphasizing that the full, new covenant reception of the Holy Spirit was contingent upon Jesus' glorification. This points to the eschatological nature of the Spirit's coming, marking a new era. Thirdly, it underscores **the necessity of Christ's glorification** (His death, resurrection, and ascension) as the prerequisite for the Spirit's universal indwelling among believers, thereby connecting the Spirit's empowering presence directly to Christ's completed redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) This word, meaning "a current of air, breath, or breeze," is used here to refer to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. John's clarification indicates that Jesus' metaphorical "living water" is not merely spiritual refreshment in a general sense, but the specific, personal presence of the divine Spirit. The use of _pneûma_ emphasizes the dynamic, life-giving, and empowering nature of this divine presence.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** (G2983) This verb signifies "to take, get hold of, or obtain." It indicates an active reception on the part of the believer, an appropriation of the promised gift. The Spirit is not merely poured out generally, but individually received by those who believe in Jesus, marking a personal and transformative indwelling.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** (G1392) Derived from _doxa_ (glory), this word means "to render or esteem glorious, to magnify." In the context of Jesus, "glorified" refers to the culmination of His redemptive work: His crucifixion (where His self-giving love was supremely revealed), His resurrection (His triumph over death), and His ascension (His exaltation to the Father's right hand). This glorification was the necessary precondition for the Spirit's full outpouring, as it completed the work of salvation that the Spirit would then apply and empower.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive:"**: This opening clause, a parenthetical comment by John, directly interprets Jesus' preceding statement about "rivers of living water." John clarifies that Jesus was not speaking of literal water, but of the Holy Spirit. The phrase "which they that believe on him should receive" highlights the condition for receiving the Spirit: personal faith in Jesus Christ. The verb "should receive" (_mellō lambánō_) indicates a future certainty, an event that is "about to be" or "intended to be," emphasizing the Spirit's coming as a promised future reality for believers.
* **"for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given];"**: This clause provides the reason for the future tense in the previous phrase. The bracketed "given" in the KJV indicates it was supplied by translators for clarity; the Greek simply states "for the Spirit was not yet." This does not mean the Holy Spirit did not exist or was inactive before Jesus' glorification (He was active in creation, prophecy, and empowering individuals in the Old Testament). Rather, it signifies that the Spirit was "not yet" present in the specific, new covenant sense of universal indwelling within all believers, empowering them for witness and transforming them from within. This full outpouring awaited a pivotal moment in salvation history.
* **"because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"**: This final clause explains *why* the Spirit was not yet "given" in this new covenant sense. The glorification of Jesus—His sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension—was the indispensable prerequisite. It was through His completed work on the cross and His subsequent exaltation that the way was opened for the Spirit to be poured out universally upon all who believe, inaugurating the new covenant era of the Spirit's indwelling presence.

#### Literary Devices
John's use of **Parenthetical Explanation** in this verse is a key literary device. By inserting his interpretive comment, John guides the reader's understanding, clarifying Jesus' metaphorical language and ensuring the profound theological significance of "living water" (as the Holy Spirit) is not missed. This direct authorial intervention emphasizes the importance of the Spirit's role in the new covenant. Furthermore, the entire passage relies on **Symbolism**, where "living water" is a powerful symbol for the Holy Spirit, conveying ideas of spiritual life, refreshment, purification, and abundant outpouring. This symbolism also carries a sense of **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the dramatic fulfillment of Jesus' promise on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out in a new and unprecedented way upon the early church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 7:39 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature and timing of the Holy Spirit's work in the New Covenant. It reveals that the Spirit's full, indwelling presence, accessible to all believers, is a direct result of Christ's completed redemptive work. The "rivers of living water" signify not merely a personal experience of spiritual vitality, but an overflowing abundance that enables believers to be channels of God's life to others. This verse bridges the Old Testament prophecies of the Spirit's outpouring with their New Testament fulfillment, emphasizing that the Spirit's coming marks a new era of intimate communion with God made possible by Jesus' sacrifice and triumph. The Spirit is the very life of God imparted to believers, uniting them to Christ and empowering them for mission.

* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost") - The dramatic fulfillment of this promise on the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for witness.
* [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "Jesus Promises the Helper") - Jesus explicitly tells His disciples that it is to their advantage for Him to 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."
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise") - Believers are "sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance," highlighting the Spirit as a divine guarantee of future blessings and belonging to God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, John 7:39 unveils the incredible reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence as a direct and precious gift secured by Christ's glorification. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the Spirit, who acts as our constant guide, comforting presence, divine teacher, and inexhaustible source of spiritual power. The "rivers of living water" now flow not only *to* us but also *through* us, enabling us to experience profound spiritual vitality and to become conduits of God's life, love, and truth to a thirsty world. This verse calls us to embrace the Spirit's indwelling, to yield to His leading, and to live lives that demonstrate the transforming power of God's presence, serving as a testament to Christ's triumph and the new life He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit impact your daily walk with Christ, and in what specific ways do you rely on His presence?**
* **In what practical ways can you allow the "rivers of living water" (the Spirit's life within you) to flow through you to bless and refresh others in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does understanding the profound connection between Jesus' glorification and the Spirit's coming deepen your appreciation for Christ's finished work and the gift of the Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Was the Holy Spirit not active before Jesus' glorification?**

Answer: John 7:39 does not imply that the Holy Spirit was non-existent or inactive before Jesus' glorification. The Spirit was indeed active throughout the Old Testament: He was present in creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit of God Hovering Over the Waters")), inspired prophets ([2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "Prophecy by the Holy Spirit")), empowered leaders like Moses and the judges ([Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "The Spirit on the Elders"), [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "The Spirit of the Lord on Othniel")), and resided selectively on individuals for specific tasks. However, John 7:39 refers to a *new and unprecedented* outpouring and indwelling of the Spirit—a universal, permanent indwelling within *all* believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit, which was characteristic of the New Covenant era inaugurated by Christ's completed work. The Spirit's coming in this new way was contingent upon Jesus' glorification.

**What does "Jesus was not yet glorified" mean in this context?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, Jesus' "glorification" refers to the culmination of His entire redemptive mission, not just His ascension. It encompasses His sacrificial death on the cross (where His perfect love and obedience were supremely displayed, e.g., [John 12:23-24](/john/12-23-24 "The Hour Has Come for the Son of Man to Be Glorified")), His triumphant resurrection from the dead, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father ([John 17:1](/john/17-1 "Jesus Prays to Be Glorified")). These events completed His work of salvation, defeating sin and death, and establishing His reign. It was only after this full glorification that the Holy Spirit could be poured out in the new covenant sense, applying the benefits of Christ's finished work to believers and enabling them to live in the power of His resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 7:39 powerfully underscores the Christ-centered nature of the Holy Spirit's work. The Spirit's coming is not an independent event but is entirely dependent on and flows directly from the glorification of Jesus. It is because Christ completed His redemptive mission—dying for our sins, rising victoriously, and ascending to His rightful place of authority—that the "rivers of living water" can now flow into and through believers. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "The Spirit of Christ Dwells in Believers")), sent by the Father and the Son ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")) to apply the benefits of Christ's work to our lives. He unites us to Christ, enables us to call God "Abba, Father" ([Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "The Spirit of His Son in Our Hearts")), transforms us into Christ's likeness, and empowers us to live out the new life found in Him. The Spirit's indwelling is the very presence of the glorified Christ within us, making us a dwelling place for God ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Built into a Dwelling Place for God by the Spirit")) and ensuring the ongoing reality of His redemptive power in the world.

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

Acts 2:17

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

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.

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.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

John 16:7

¶ 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.