Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

JOHN 16:13KJV
Know the Bible

John 16:13 (KJV)

What does John 16:13 mean?

John 16:13 says that when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide Jesus’ followers into all truth, speaking only what he hears and showing them things to come. This verse promises that the Spirit will not speak on his own, but will faithfully pass on what he receives, helping believers understand and anticipate what lies ahead.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest, preparing them for his departure. He reassures them that the Spirit—often understood as the Holy Spirit—will continue to guide and teach them after Jesus is gone. The verse emphasizes the Spirit’s role as a trustworthy guide who reveals truth and future events, not acting independently but in harmony with God’s message.

The Greek behind John 16:13

  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, G4151): This word means "spirit" and here refers to the "Spirit of truth." In this context, it highlights the guiding and revealing role of the Holy Spirit, not just as a force but as a personal guide.
  • ὁδηγήσει (hodēgēsei, G3594): This verb means "will guide." The Greek carries the sense of leading someone along a path, suggesting ongoing direction rather than a one-time instruction.
  • πᾶσαν (pasan, G3956) ἀλήθειαν (alētheian, G225): "All truth." The Greek phrase stresses completeness—the Spirit will not just give partial truth, but will guide into the fullness of what is true.
  • οὐ (ou, G3756) λαλήσει (lalēsei, G2980) ἀφ’ (aph, G575) ἑαυτοῦ (heautou, G1438): "He shall not speak of himself." The Greek wording emphasizes that the Spirit does not act independently or bring a separate message, but faithfully communicates what he receives.

Why John 16:13 matters

  • John 16:13 clarifies that the Spirit’s guidance is reliable because it is not self-generated; the Spirit only communicates what is received from God, ensuring consistency with Jesus’ teaching.
  • The verse helps readers understand that the Spirit’s role is ongoing, not limited to the disciples’ immediate situation, but continuing to guide believers in truth and understanding of future events.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel of Jesus preparing his followers for life after his departure, showing that God’s guidance and revelation would not end with Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Where else these words appear

“guide” Greek G3594 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
  • Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
  • Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

“shew” Greek G312 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
  • John 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
  • Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

“whatsoever” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.