But 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:

JOHN 15:26KJV
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John 15:26 (KJV)

What does John 15:26 mean?

John 15:26 says that Jesus will send the Comforter, also called the Spirit of truth, from the Father, and this Spirit will speak about Jesus. The verse highlights that this Spirit comes from God the Father and will bear witness to who Jesus is.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final hours before his arrest. He is preparing them for his departure and promising that they will not be left alone. The “Comforter” refers to the Holy Spirit, described here as coming from the Father and being closely connected to truth. Jesus assures his disciples that the Spirit’s role will be to testify about him, supporting and guiding them after he is gone.

The Greek behind John 15:26

  • The word “Comforter” is παράκλητος (paraklētos), which means someone called to help, encourage, or advocate for another. This word suggests more than comfort; it includes guidance, support, and even legal advocacy.
  • “Spirit” is πνεῦμα (pneuma), meaning breath or wind, but used here for God’s Spirit—something unseen yet powerful and life-giving.
  • “Truth” is ἀλήθεια (alētheia), which means not just factual accuracy but reality as it truly is. The Spirit is described as the one who reveals what is real and trustworthy.
  • “Testify” is μαρτυρέω (martyreō), meaning to bear witness or give evidence. The Spirit’s role is to make clear who Jesus is, not just to comfort but to confirm the truth about him.

Why John 15:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Holy Spirit is sent by Jesus but comes from the Father, showing a close relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit.
  • John 15:26 emphasizes that the Spirit’s main work is to point people to Jesus, not to draw attention to himself.
  • The verse reassures Jesus’ followers that even though he will leave them physically, God’s presence and guidance will continue through the Spirit, connecting this promise to the larger message of comfort and hope in these chapters.

Where else these words appear

“Comforter” Greek G3875 · used in 5 verses

  • John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
  • John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
  • 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 depart, I will send him unto you.

“proceedeth” Greek G1607 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
  • Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

“testify” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“send” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.