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.)

(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}.)

(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.)

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.

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.

John 7:39 provides a vital interpretive key to Jesus' earlier declaration about "rivers of living water" (John 7:38). This verse clarifies that the "living water" is none other than the Holy Spirit, who would be received by those who believe in Jesus.

Context

This verse comes at the culmination of the Feast of Tabernacles, a major Jewish festival celebrating God's provision in the wilderness and looking forward to the Messiah's reign. During this feast, water libations were poured out daily, symbolizing God's provision and the future outpouring of the Spirit. On the last day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried out, inviting anyone who was thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John's parenthetical explanation in verse 39 ensures that readers understand the spiritual, rather than literal, meaning of Jesus' words.

Key Themes

  • The Identity of "Living Water": The primary theme is the explicit identification of "living water" with the Holy Spirit. This spiritual refreshment and indwelling presence are promised to all who place their faith in Jesus.
  • The Timing of the Spirit's Outpouring: The verse highlights that the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit was contingent upon Jesus' glorification. This refers to the completion of His earthly ministry, including His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to the Father's right hand. Before these events, the Holy Spirit's presence was not yet fully "given" in the new covenant sense.
  • The Necessity of Christ's Glorification: The glorification of Jesus was a prerequisite for the Spirit's universal indwelling among believers. It underscores the profound connection between Christ's redemptive work and the Spirit's empowering presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text includes the word "[given]" in brackets, indicating it was supplied by the translators for clarity. The original Greek simply states, "for the Spirit was not yet." This emphasizes the absence of the Spirit in the specific, full sense that would characterize the New Covenant era. It wasn't that the Spirit didn't exist or wasn't active (He was present in creation, prophecy, and empowering individuals in the Old Testament), but His widespread, indwelling presence within all believers was awaiting Jesus' finished work.

Significance and Cross-References

This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that followed Jesus' ascension. The promise of the Spirit was powerfully fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. Jesus Himself had promised this "Helper" or "Comforter" (John 16:7), who would guide believers into all truth and empower them for witness. The Spirit's reception is an essential aspect of salvation, as believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13).

Practical Application

For believers today, John 7:39 signifies the incredible reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the Spirit, who acts as our guide, comforter, teacher, and source of spiritual power. The "rivers of living water" now flow through every believer, enabling them to experience spiritual vitality and to be a channel of God's blessing to others. This verse reminds us that the Spirit's work is a direct result of Christ's triumph and glorification, offering profound spiritual refreshment and empowerment for Christian life and service.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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