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.

JOHN 16:7KJV
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John 16:7 (KJV)

What does John 16:7 mean?

John 16:7 means that Jesus is telling his disciples it is actually better for them if he leaves, because only then will the "Comforter"—a helper or advocate—come to them. Jesus promises that after he departs, he will send this Comforter to be with them.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during his final teachings before his arrest. The disciples are troubled by the idea of Jesus leaving, but he assures them that his departure is necessary for something important to happen. The "Comforter" refers to the Holy Spirit, who will come to guide, support, and be present with the disciples in a new way after Jesus is no longer physically with them.

The Greek behind John 16:7

  • "Comforter" (παράκλητος, paraklētos): This word means someone called alongside to help, often understood as an advocate, helper, or counselor. Jesus uses this term to describe the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the Spirit's role in supporting and guiding the disciples after Jesus leaves.
  • "Expedient" (συμφέρει, sympherei): This Greek word means "beneficial" or "for your good." Jesus is not just saying his departure is necessary, but that it is actually to the disciples' advantage.
  • "Send" (πέμπω, pempō): The word used here means to send with a purpose. Jesus is making it clear that the coming of the Comforter is intentional and part of his ongoing care for his followers.

Why John 16:7 matters

  • John 16:7 clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus' physical presence was the only way his followers could experience God's help; he promises an even greater help through the Spirit.
  • This verse highlights the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the work of the Holy Spirit, showing the continuity of God's guidance and presence.
  • John 16:7 reassures readers that what seems like a loss (Jesus leaving) is actually part of a bigger plan for their benefit, connecting to the larger theme of hope and provision in Jesus' farewell teachings.

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 15:26 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:

“expedient” Greek G4851 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • John 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

“if” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“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.