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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
Nevertheless
G235
ἀλλ'
Nevertheless
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγω
tell
G3004
λέγω
tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
συμφέρει
It is expedient
G4851
συμφέρει
It is expedient
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
7 of 28
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
ἀπέλθω
I go
G565
ἀπέλθω
I go
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
11 of 28
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
12 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπέλθω
I go
G565
ἀπέλθω
I go
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
15 of 28
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεύσεται
come
G2064
ἐλεύσεται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
19 of 28
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
20 of 28
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,
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
22 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
πορευθῶ
I depart
G4198
πορευθῶ
I depart
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
24 of 28
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
πέμψω
I will send
G3992
πέμψω
I will send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
25 of 28
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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 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:Acts 2:33Therefore 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.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.)Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Luke 24:49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.John 14:28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.Psalms 68:18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this Thursday evening; by Sunday, His resurrection would confirm this promise. Pentecost (50 days later) fulfilled it. The disciples couldn't grasp this paradox—how could absence be better than presence?—until experiencing the Spirit's power (Acts 2).
Questions for Reflection
- How is the Spirit's internal presence superior to Christ's external presence?
- In what ways do you depend on the Holy Spirit's ministry in your daily life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ declares His departure 'expedient' (Greek 'sympheron', beneficial, profitable)—a startling claim that His physical absence benefits believers more than His presence. The Comforter (Paraclete, meaning advocate, helper, counselor) cannot come unless Jesus departs, showing the Holy Spirit's ministry depends on Christ's finished work. The Spirit's coming means Christ's work multiplied through all believers, not limited to one location.