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.)
Original Language Analysis
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 23
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
οὗ
which
G3739
οὗ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔμελλον
should
G3195
ἔμελλον
should
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
8 of 23
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύοντες
they that believe
G4100
πιστεύοντες
they that believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
11 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
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
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
17 of 23
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
Ἅγιον,
the Holy
G40
Ἅγιον,
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
18 of 23
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ὅτι
given because
G3754
ὅτι
given because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
19 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὃ
G3588
ὃ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 2:17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: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.Isaiah 32:15Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.John 12:16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.Isaiah 44:3For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.John 16:7Nevertheless 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.
Historical Context
Old Testament believers had the Spirit's work (regeneration, indwelling of some leaders and prophets), but Pentecost marked a new era—permanent indwelling for all believers, universal empowerment for witness. Jesus promised the Spirit's coming (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7-14), fulfilled in Acts 2. The early church understood their Spirit-empowerment as fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 and Jesus's promise. Church history shows periods of Spirit-emphasis (Montanism, Pietism, Pentecostalism) alongside periods of neglect.
Questions for Reflection
- What changed at Pentecost regarding the Spirit's work?
- How does Christ's glorification relate to the Spirit's outpouring?
- What does permanent Spirit indwelling mean for believers today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
(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.) John's parenthetical explanation clarifies that living water symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Believers would receive the Spirit after Jesus's glorification (death, resurrection, ascension). The phrase 'Holy Ghost was not yet given' doesn't mean the Spirit didn't exist, but that Pentecostal outpouring awaited Christ's completed work. Reformed theology emphasizes the ordo salutis—Christ's work precedes Spirit's application of redemption.