John 14:18
What does John 14:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 14:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 14:18 means
Jesus vows not to leave His disciples desolate, like orphans without protection or guidance. He promises, “I come to you,” assuring them of His continuing presence. This coming is fulfilled in His resurrection appearances and, enduringly, in the sending of the Spirit, by whom He is present with His people. The pledge answers their deepest fear: that His departure means permanent loss. Instead, He will maintain the relationship, providing care, instruction, and companionship. This promise comforts not by removing trials but by guaranteeing His nearness amid them, so that their identity as His own remains intact.
John 14:18 in context
John 14 — I Am the Way
On the night before his crucifixion Jesus comforts his disciples. He is going to prepare a place for them; he is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by him. He promises another Comforter — the Holy Spirit — who will dwell in them and bring his words to remembrance. The peace he gives is not as the world gives. Even with the cross hours away, he turns from his own sorrow to steady theirs.
- Heaven
- Exclusivity of Christ
- Holy Spirit promised
- Christ's peace
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I will not let you be without a friend: I am coming to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I will not leave you bereaved, I come unto you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I will not leave you orphans, I am coming to you.
Context
After identifying the Spirit and promising indwelling, Jesus directly addresses the fear of abandonment. The assurance that He will come to them personalizes the promise—He Himself remains their Shepherd. The next verses explain the difference between the world’s inability to see Him and the disciples’ continued sight, and root their life in His own life. This continues the theme that departure is not absence but transition to a deeper, life-giving union with Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.
- Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
- Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
- John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
- Isaiah 51:12
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;
- John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Sermon ideas from John 14:18
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 14:18 teaches us about heaven
What John 14:18 teaches us about exclusivity of christ
What John 14:18 teaches us about holy spirit promised
What John 14:18 teaches us about christ's peace
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