John 15:26
What does John 15:26 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:26 means
Jesus promises the coming of the "Comforter" (or Advocate), whom He will send from the Father—"even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father." The Holy Spirit's primary role will be to "bear witness of me." During Jesus' physical absence, the Spirit will continue to testify powerfully and truthfully about Him, revealing His person and work, guiding the disciples, and empowering their ministry to the world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father even the Spirit of true knowledge who comes from the Father--he will give witness about me;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And when the Comforter may come, whom I will send to you from the Father--the Spirit of truth, who from the Father doth come forth, he will testify of me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from with the Father, he shall bear witness concerning me;
Context
This verse marks a significant transition, moving from the inevitability of the world's hatred and persecution to the divine provision for coping with it. It introduces the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who will empower the disciples to continue their mission, preparing for their own role as witnesses in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:49
And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.
- John 8:42
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me.
- Acts 5:32
And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
- 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 go, I will send him unto you.
- Revelation 22:1
And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
- 1 John 5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood.
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