John 7

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.

Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(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.)

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

So there was a division among the people because of him.

And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

And every man went unto his own house.

What does John 7:39 mean?

Explanation

John 7:39 speaks to the anticipation of the coming Holy Spirit, which is promised to those who believe in Jesus.

This verse is important because it links the reception of the Holy Spirit with belief in Jesus and his glorification.

The verse indicates that at the time it was spoken, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given to believers in the same way it would be after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven.

This is encapsulated in the phrase "for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified," which implies a chronological order to these events.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Written by John, one of Jesus' disciples, the Gospel of John is a New Testament book that presents a unique account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

This specific verse is part of a narrative describing Jesus teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

During this feast, there was a ceremony where water was poured out, symbolizing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

John's gospel often includes theological reflections, such as the one in this verse, that explain the significance of Jesus' actions and words within a wider redemptive context.

The historical setting of this teaching was prior to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, hence the future-oriented language regarding the Holy Spirit.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 7:39 is rich in meaning.

It introduces the notion of Jesus' glorification as a precondition for the giving of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' glorification is often understood as referring to his death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension, a sequence of events through which he conquered sin and death and returned to the Father.

From a Christian theological perspective, this reflects the transition from the era of the Law to the era of Grace, in which the indwelling of the Holy Spirit becomes a defining characteristic of the believer's life.

Diverse traditions within Christianity may interpret the "receiving" of the Holy Spirit in varying ways, from a one-time event at the moment of salvation to a continual infilling throughout a believer's life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 7:39 invites believers to reflect on the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The verse can be understood as an encouragement to pursue a deep and ongoing relationship with God through the Spirit.

Believers are called to be open to the Spirit's work in guiding, teaching, and empowering them for living a life that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus.

There is also an element of looking back in gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice and forward in hope to the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the world.

Cross-References

John 14:16-17: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 2:33: "Therefore 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."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse in the original Greek are:

"Spirit" (Greek: πνεῦμα, pneuma): Often used to refer to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.
"Glorified" (Greek: δοξάζω, doxazō): To honor, praise, or exalt; in the context of Jesus, it references his exaltation through his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Understanding these words in their original language nuances our comprehension of the text, spotlighting the honor and transformation associated with Jesus' mission and the nature of the Holy Spirit as a divine presence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between the promise of the Holy Spirit in Christian texts and similar themes in other religious traditions.

For instance, in Judaism, the presence of God's Spirit is associated with prophetic inspiration.

In certain strands of Hinduism, there is the concept of Shaktipat, a divine force or energy said to be bestowed upon an individual.

While there are parallels in how divine interaction is conceptualized, the Christian Holy Spirit is distinct in being a personal presence that permanently indwells believers.

Scientific Perspectives

While the subject of the Holy Spirit is theological and spiritual, and therefore outside the scope of empirical scientific inquiry, modern psychology might shed light on the individual and collective experiences of spirituality.

Psychological studies delve into how spiritual beliefs and practices can impact mental health, community building, and personal transformation.

However, the metaphysical claims about the Holy Spirit are matters of faith, not science.

commentaries

Commentators have offered various interpretations of John 7:39.

For example:

Matthew Henry's Commentary explains that the Holy Spirit is described as rivers of living water, emphasizing the abundance and continuous supply of grace to the soul.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes that Jesus' statement anticipates the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, which would indwell and empower believers in a new way.
The Believer's Bible Commentary highlights the significance of Jesus being "glorified" before the Spirit's new era of ministry could begin.

These commentaries aim to provide a deeper understanding of the text and its implications for the original audience and readers today.

John 7

John 7

What does John 7:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 7:39 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?