John 16:10
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
Of
G4012
περὶ
Of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
2 of 14
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
Father
G3962
πατέρα
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 14
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὑπάγω
I go
G5217
ὑπάγω
I go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
9 of 14
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:21For 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 3:18For 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:Acts 3:14But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:1 Timothy 3:16And 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.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this hours before being condemned by both Jewish and Roman courts as a criminal worthy of crucifixion. Yet within 40 days, He would ascend to the Father (Acts 1:9-11), proving the world's verdict false and God's verdict true. The ascension became the divine courtroom reversal, with the Father's acceptance of Jesus demonstrating His perfect righteousness and validating His atoning work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's ascension to the Father prove both His righteousness and yours?
- In what ways do you still seek to establish your own righteousness rather than receiving Christ's?
- How should the Spirit's conviction of righteousness affect your evangelism and discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father (περὶ δικαιοσύνης δέ, ὅτι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα ὑπάγω, peri dikaiosynēs de, hoti pros ton patera hypagō)—the Spirit convicts concerning dikaiosynē (righteousness, justice) by proving Christ's vindication through His ascension. Ye see me no more (οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτέ με, ouketi theōreite me) marks the transition from earthly ministry to heavenly session.
Christ's return to the Father proves His righteousness and provides ours. The world condemned Jesus as a blasphemous criminal; God vindicated Him through resurrection and ascension. This exposes two truths: first, the world's 'righteousness' is corrupt (they crucified the Righteous One); second, true righteousness is found only in Christ, now exalted at the Father's right hand. The Spirit convicts that human righteousness is insufficient and that Christ's imputed righteousness is both necessary and available through faith.