John 16:12-15

John 16:12-15
Trinity Sunday C29

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12 “I still have many thingsA to say to you, but you cannotB bearC them now. 

Notes on verse 12

A “many things” = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.
B “cannot” = ou + dunamai. Dunamai is to be able, or something that is possible. It can also be empowered or being powerful. The Greek word for “miracle” (dunamis) comes from this root.
C “bear” = bastazo. Perhaps from the base of basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go). This is to lift in a literal of figurative sense. It can also mean take up, carry, bear, or remove. Figuratively, it can mean declare, endure, or sustain.

13 When the SpiritD of truthE comes,F

Notes on verse 13a

D “Spirit” = Pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
E “truth” = aletheia. From alethes (true, unconcealed; true because it is in concert with fact and reality – attested; literally, what cannot be hidden; truth stands up to test and scrutiny and is undeniable, authentic). {from a (not, without) + lanthano (unnoticed, concealed)}. Truth is literally that which is not or cannot be concealed. This word covers more than the sense of true versus false. It spoke of truth as that which corresponds to reality – reality as opposed to illusion. Thus, it includes, sincerity, straightforwardness, and reality itself.
F “comes” = erchomai. This is to come or go.

he will guideG you into allH the truth, for he will not speak on his own but will speak whatever he hears,I and he will declareJ to you the things that are to come. 

Notes on verse 13b

G “guide” = hodegeo. 5x in NT. From hodegos (leader or guide; figuratively, a teacher); {from hodos (way, road, path, or journey; can imply progress along a route) + hegeomai (to think, suppose, have an opinion; to lead the way, what comes in front or first, initial thought, high esteem or authority; one who commands in an official capacity); {from ago (lead, bring, carry, drive, go)}. This is to guide or instruct. It is showing someone else the way, whether literally or figuratively.
H “all” = pas. This is all or every.
I “hears” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
J “declare” = anaggello. Related to “guide” in v13. 14x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, among, by, anew) + aggello (to announce, report) {from aggelos (angel, messenger – supernatural or human envoy of God); probably from ago (see note G above)}. This is returning with word, reporting, declaring, announcing. It is to tell something all the way, which is to say to tell it clearly.

14 He will glorifyK me because he will takeL what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the FatherM has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Notes on verses 14-15

K “glorify” = doxazo. From doxa (glory, opinion, praise, honor, renown; particularly used as a quality of God or manifestation of God – splendor); from dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); from dokos (opinion). This is to render or hold something as glorious, to glorify, honor, magnify, or celebrate. This is ascribing weight to something by recognizing its true value or essence.
L “take” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.
M “Father” = Pater. This is father in a literal or figurative sense. Could be elder, senior, ancestor, originator, or patriarch.


Image credit: “Statue of Jesus Facing the Setting Sun” by JoLynne Martinez, 2019.

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