John 7:39
What does John 7:39 mean?
A plain-English look at John 7:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 7:39 means
John explains that Jesus spoke about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive. The Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. The promise looks beyond the feast to the new era inaugurated by Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation. The Spirit’s coming would make believers the living channels Jesus described. This verse clarifies that the living water is not a mere feeling, but the personal presence and power of God dwelling in His people. It ties the gift of the Spirit to Jesus’ work, showing that all true spiritual life flows from His glorification.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
KJV
King James Version · 1611(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.)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This he said of the Spirit which would be given to those who had faith in him: the Spirit had not been given then, because the glory of Jesus was still to come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and this he said of the Spirit, which those believing in him were about to receive; for not yet was the Holy Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now this he said of the Spirit which they should receive who believed in him: for as yet the Spirit was not given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But this he said concerning the Spirit, which they that believed on him were about to receive; for [the] Spirit was not yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Context
This editorial comment interprets Jesus’ promise and anchors it in salvation history. With the meaning clarified, the narrative resumes with public reactions—some naming Him the prophet, others the Christ, and others disputing based on birthplace assumptions (verses 40–42). The result is division (verse 43) and another failed attempt to seize Him (verse 44), culminating in the officers’ report and the leaders’ frustrated responses (verses 45–49).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
- Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
- Luke 7:16
And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people.
- Isaiah 32:15
until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be esteemed as a forest.
- Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
- Matthew 21:11
And the multitudes said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.
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