John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 29
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἐρχόμενα
is come
G2064
ἐρχόμενα
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 29
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐκεῖνος
he
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
he
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
4 of 29
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 29
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδηγήσει
he will guide
G3594
ὁδηγήσει
he will guide
Strong's:
G3594
Word #:
9 of 29
to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
16 of 29
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀφ'
of
G575
ἀφ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 29
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
19 of 29
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
20 of 29
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενα
is come
G2064
ἐρχόμενα
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
27 of 29
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
John 14:26But 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 14:17Even 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 15:26But 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:1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.John 12:49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.1 John 4:6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Revelation 1:19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;John 8:38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Historical Context
This promise primarily addressed the apostles who would write Scripture under Spirit's inspiration. The early church claimed this verse as justification for apostolic authority. The Spirit's teaching ministry continues in illuminating Scripture, not adding to it.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern true Spirit-led teaching from false spirits (1 John 4:1)?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your understanding of Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit of truth 'shall guide you into all truth' promises progressive illumination, not new revelation contradicting Christ's words. The Spirit doesn't speak 'of himself' but glorifies Christ—true Spirit-led teaching always exalts Jesus. The phrase 'all truth' refers to spiritual truth necessary for salvation and godliness, not omniscience. 'He will shew you things to come' enabled apostles to write prophecy (Revelation) and helps believers understand eschatology.