What does John 14:18 mean?

Explanation

John 14:18 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, in which Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper.

In this verse, Jesus promises His followers that He will not leave them 'comfortless,' which can also be translated as 'orphaned' or 'abandoned.' The word 'comfortless' in this context alludes to the Holy Spirit, who is often described as the Comforter.

Thus, this verse is understood to mean that after Jesus' departure from the world through His death and subsequent ascension, He will send the Holy Spirit to be with His followers, providing them with guidance, assurance, and the presence of God.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the discourse that takes place at the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospel of John, chapters 13 to 17.

John's Gospel was written in the late first century AD, a time when the early Christian community was dealing with both the physical absence of Jesus and persecution from both Roman authorities and some Jewish circles.

This promise of Jesus to His disciples was not only meant to reassure them ahead of His imminent death but also served to comfort and sustain the early church through its trials.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions have drawn insights from this verse.

Mainstream Christian theology views it as a promise of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence in believers.

Catholicism often emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the church's sacramental life, while Protestant perspectives might focus on the personal and transformative experience of the Holy Spirit in each believer.

Pentecostalism particularly emphasizes the experiential aspect of the Spirit's presence.

Additionally, this verse speaks to the doctrine of the Trinity, as Jesus, part of the Godhead, promises to send the Holy Spirit, another person of the Triune God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse provides comfort to individuals facing loneliness or abandonment. It serves as an assurance that God's presence is a constant reality for believers.

Moreover, it encourages Christians to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives and to rely on the Spirit for strength in times of difficulty or decision-making.

Cross-References

Here are some related verses from the King James Version:

• John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;"
• John 14:26 "But 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 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."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• 'Comfortless': "ορφανούς" (orphanous), which can mean bereft, without parents, comfortless, or orphaned.
• 'I will come': "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai), a common Greek verb that means to come or to arrive.

This can be understood as Jesus referring to His resurrection, His coming through the Holy Spirit, or His eventual second coming.

• 'To you': This indicates that the comfort Jesus provides is personal and individual.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider context of ancient religions, gods were often seen as distant and detached from the affairs of mortals.

The concept of a deity promising to dwell with and within their followers was unique to Judaism and Christianity. Gods in myths might visit or interact with humanity, but the intimate presence as described in Christianity was distinct.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology recognizes the importance of perceived social support and the presence of comforting figures in coping with stress and trauma.

While the scientific perspective does not engage with spiritual or supernatural realms, it does acknowledge the mental and emotional benefits of feeling supported and not alone in one's experiences.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse generally agree that it is a clear indication of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that this was meant to comfort the disciples with the assurance of Christ's presence through the Spirit despite His physical absence.

Similarly, the MacArthur Study Bible emphasizes that the coming of the Holy Spirit would be a fulfillment of this promise by Jesus, an assurance that He would not leave His disciples without resources or spiritual support.