Book of John - Chapter 14 - Verse 16
Meaning
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, he was promising them that even though he would be physically leaving them soon, they would not be left alone. He assured them that he would pray to the Father to send them another Comforter, who would be with them forever. This Comforter, known as the Holy Spirit, would provide them with guidance, strength, comfort, and wisdom in Jesus' absence. The Holy Spirit would serve as their advocate, counselor, and helper, empowering them to continue the work that Jesus had started. This promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the disciples received the Holy Spirit in the upper room. This verse highlights the eternal presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, serving as a source of comfort and guidance for all who believe in Jesus.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of the verse 'And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever,' is the concept of the Holy Spirit as the promised Comforter. In this verse, Jesus is assuring his disciples that although he will be physically leaving them, he will ask God to send them another Comforter to be with them always. The term "Comforter" comes from the Greek word "Parakletos," which can also mean advocate or helper. This demonstrates the role of the Holy Spirit in providing comfort, guidance, and support to believers for eternity. The promise of the Holy Spirit's eternal presence emphasizes the ongoing relationship between God and his followers, highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.