John 16:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#2
δὲ
G1161
Howbeit
but, and, etc
#3
ἐρχόμενα
G2064
is come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
ἐκεῖνος
G1565
he
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πνεῦμα
G4151
the Spirit
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
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀληθείαν·
G225
of truth
truth
#9
ὁδηγήσει
G3594
he will guide
to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))
#10
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#11
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
πάσαν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#13
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀληθείαν·
G225
of truth
truth
#15
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#17
λαλήσει
G2980
he shall
to talk, i.e., utter words
#18
ἀφ'
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#19
ἑαυτοῦ
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#20
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#21
ὅσα
G3745
whatsoever
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#22
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#23
ἀκούσῃ
G191
he shall hear
to hear (in various senses)
#24
λαλήσει
G2980
he shall
to talk, i.e., utter words
#25
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#26
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
ἐρχόμενα
G2064
is come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#28
ἀναγγελεῖ
G312
he will shew
to announce (in detail)
#29
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of truth reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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