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John 16:7

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

John 16:7 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' farewell discourse, offering profound insight into the necessity of His departure and the subsequent blessing of the Holy Spirit's arrival. This statement addresses the disciples' deep sorrow and confusion over His impending absence, revealing a divine plan that would ultimately benefit them more than His continued physical presence.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' final teachings to His disciples before His crucifixion, found in John chapters 13-17. The disciples are distressed by His repeated mentions of leaving them (John 14:1, John 16:6). In this specific verse, Jesus cuts through their grief with a challenging truth: His departure is not a loss, but a strategic and necessary step for their spiritual empowerment. He is preparing them for the post-resurrection era, where His presence would be spiritual and universal through the Holy Spirit, rather than localized and physical.

Key Themes

  • The Necessity of Jesus' Departure: Jesus clearly states, "It is expedient for you that I go away." His ascension to the Father was not merely an end to His earthly ministry but a prerequisite for the next phase of God's redemptive plan. This highlights the divine orchestration of events, where even apparent loss leads to greater gain.
  • The Promise of the Comforter (Holy Spirit): The core message is that Jesus' going away enables the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's arrival would empower the disciples, guide them into all truth, and enable them to continue Jesus' work. This promise culminates in the event of Pentecost, where the Spirit was poured out on the believers.
  • Divine Benevolence: Despite the initial sorrow, Jesus assures His disciples that His departure is "for you" – for their benefit. This underscores God's loving provision and His commitment to equip His followers for their mission in the world.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "Comforter," which in Greek is Paraclete (παράκλητος). This word carries several rich meanings:

  • Advocate: One who pleads another's cause, much like a legal counsel. The Holy Spirit acts as an advocate for believers before God and within their hearts.
  • Helper/Assistant: One who comes alongside to provide aid and support.
  • Counselor: One who offers guidance and wisdom.
  • Comforter: One who provides solace and consolation, especially in times of distress.

All these nuances describe the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit, who would continue Jesus' work on earth in a new, profound way, making His presence accessible to all believers, everywhere, at all times.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 16:7 offers profound comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that:

  • God's Plans are Perfect: Even when circumstances seem difficult or confusing, God's overarching plan is always for our ultimate good and the advancement of His kingdom. What appears to be a setback can be a setup for a greater blessing.
  • The Holy Spirit's Indwelling Presence: We are not left alone. Jesus' departure paved the way for the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer, providing constant guidance, strength, comfort, and conviction. This is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send another Comforter.
  • Empowerment for Ministry: The Spirit empowers us to understand God's truth, live a godly life, and bear witness to Christ. Our effectiveness in Christian life and service is not dependent on Jesus' physical presence, but on the active work of the Holy Spirit within us, just as it was for the early disciples.

This verse transforms the sorrow of Jesus' departure into the joyous anticipation and reality of the Spirit's empowering presence, making the Christian life possible and fruitful.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 14:26 (37 votes)

    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 (23 votes)

    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 (23 votes)

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

  • John 14:17 (23 votes)

    [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 (15 votes)

    (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 (15 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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.