What does John 16:9 mean?

Explanation

John 16:9 states, "Of sin, because they believe not on me." This verse is a part of Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples in the Gospel of John.

Here, Jesus is explaining the work of the Holy Spirit, who will come after His departure.

He specifically identifies a key aspect of the Spirit's work: to convict the world of sin.

The sin that Jesus highlights is the fundamental sin of unbelief, specifically, the refusal to believe in Him as the Messiah and Son of God.

To understand its deeper meanings, one must recognize that, in Christian theology, belief in Jesus is central to the concept of salvation.

Thus, the refusal to believe in Jesus is seen as the most critical sin because it ultimately separates a person from God and the truth of the Gospel.

Historical Context

John 16:9 is written within the context of the Roman Empire during the 1st century when Christianity was not yet an established religion and was often met with hostility.

The author of the Gospel of John is traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, one of Jesus' closest disciples.

He recorded Jesus' teachings and the events he witnessed.

At the time, Jewish people were expecting a Messiah, but many did not accept Jesus in this role.

The historical setting includes the early Christian community facing persecution and seeking to understand and hold onto Jesus' teachings after His crucifixion and reported resurrection.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints discuss the nature and implications of sin:

1. Traditional Christian View: Sin is seen as a transgression against divine law, with the ultimate sin being the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Calvinistic/Reformed Perspective: Emphasizes the total depravity of man and the necessity of divine intervention for salvation.

The unbelief is the evidence of one's sinful nature and need for the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. 3. Arminian Perspective: Focuses on free will, with unbelief being a conscious choice for which individuals are culpable. 4. Liberal Theology: Might interpret the sin of unbelief in broader terms, seeing it as failing to respond to divine truth and the message of love embodied in Jesus. 5. Ecumenical Viewpoint: While interpretations may differ, most agree that faith in Jesus and the acceptance of His teachings are essential in Christian salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse underscores the importance of faith in Jesus as central to Christian life and practice. In practical applications, believers are encouraged to:

1. Evangelize: Share their faith with others, highlighting the importance of belief in Jesus.
2. Self-Reflect: Examine their own beliefs and ensure their faith aligns with Jesus' teachings.
3. Intercede: Pray for those who do not yet believe, hoping for the Holy Spirit to work within them for conversion.
4. Understand Sin: Recognize that sin is not just about actions but also about the heart's disposition toward God and His truth.

Cross-References

• John 3:18: "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
• John 1:11-12: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

• Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 16:9 include:

• "Sin" (ἁμαρτία, hamartia): Literally means missing the mark or a misstep.

It refers to doing something that is against God's commands or failing to do what one should do.

• "Believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): To have faith in, trust, or rely upon.

In this context, it implies a personal trust and reliance on Jesus as the Messiah.

• "On me" (εἰς ἐμέ, eis eme): The preposition "εἰς" typically signifies direction towards or into something, often implying motion, transition, or a relationship with the object.

The analysis of the original language emphasizes the personal nature of belief, which is not just intellectual assent but a trust and reliance upon Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions, belief in a specific deity or adherence to a particular religious sect often determined one's righteousness or societal standing.

By contrast, Christianity's unique claim, according to the New Testament, is that belief in Jesus himself is the determining factor for righteousness before God.

This is in line with the Jewish concept of faithfulness to one God, yet is distinct in its crystallization around Jesus as the Messiah.

Scientific Perspectives

Science generally does not comment on matters of faith and belief since they fall outside the empirical realm that science investigates.

However, the study of psychology can lend insight into why humans believe or disbelieve in deities or religious tenets. Neuroscience might explore the brain mechanisms associated with belief and conviction, but it does not confirm or refute the validity of the content of those beliefs.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer a variety of interpretations on John 16:9:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the world's sin is not believing in Christ, and the Holy Spirit will reprove the world of this, gradually convincing the consciences of sinners of this sin.
• Benson Commentary: Emphasizes that the sin of unbelief is the root of all other sins since it rejects the only perfect remedy for sin, Jesus' sacrifice.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Notes that the Spirit's role is to expose the sinfulness of unbelief in Jesus and highlights that Jesus considers unbelief not as ignorance but as a willful rejection.

These interpretations agree that the crux of Jesus' message in this verse is about the central importance of belief in Him for salvation.