John 16 10

John 16:10 kjv

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

John 16:10 nkjv

of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

John 16:10 niv

about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;

John 16:10 esv

concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

John 16:10 nlt

Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.

John 16 verses

John 16 10 Meaning

The verse states that the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. It highlights the Spirit's role in revealing the truth about humanity's sinful state, Christ's perfect righteousness, and the finality of God's judgment. This conviction is not merely condemnation but a profound exposure that leads to repentance and faith.

John 16 10 Context

This verse is part of Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples, recorded in John chapter 16. Jesus is preparing them for his departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He explains that the world, meaning those who reject Him, will not understand or accept the Spirit's work. The Spirit's ministry is directly linked to the ongoing witness and work of Christ, especially concerning His glorification. The disciples, though sorrowful now, will receive the Spirit who will empower them to continue Jesus' mission. The historical context is Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion, comforting and instructing His most intimate followers.

John 16 10 Word Analysis

• "But" (Greek: δέ, de): A conjunctive particle indicating a transition or contrast, connecting this statement to the preceding ones about Jesus' departure.
• "when he" (Greek: ὅταν αὐτός, otan autos): "Otán" signifies a time or occasion. "Autos" refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His personal agency.
• "comes" (Greek: ἔρχεται, erchetai): Present tense, indicating a continuous or soon-to-be-fulfilled action of the Spirit.
• "he" (Greek: ἐκεῖνος, ekeinos): Refers back to the Holy Spirit (Greek: Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, Pneuma to Hagion).
• "will convict" (Greek: ἐλέγξει, elegxei): Future tense, from the verb ἐλέγχω (elenchō), meaning to convict, convince, refute, or prove wrong. It implies bringing something to light to expose its fault or reality.
• "the world" (Greek: τὸν κόσμον, ton kosmon): Refers to humanity alienated from God, often specifically those who oppose or reject Christ.
• "concerning" (Greek: περί, peri): A preposition indicating the subject matter or focus of the conviction.
• "sin" (Greek: ἁμαρτίας, hamartias): Plural noun, from ἁμαρτία (hamartia), meaning "missing the mark" or a transgression against God's law. It signifies mankind's sinful condition and individual acts of sin.
• "concerning" (Greek: δικαιοσύνης, dikaiosynes): A noun indicating righteousness, justice, or uprightness.
• "because" (Greek: ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the reason for the conviction.
• "I" (Greek: ἐγώ, ego): Jesus.
• "go to the Father" (Greek: ὑπάγω πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, hypagō pros ton patera): Jesus' ascension to the Father signifies His vindication and glorified status, a basis for demonstrating His righteousness.
• "and you will see me no longer" (Greek: καὶ οὐκέτι θεωρεῖτε με, kai ouketi theōreite me): This phrase indicates the change in physical presence but not in spiritual reality or ongoing relationship.
• "concerning" (Greek: περί, peri): Indicating the subject of the conviction.
• "judgment" (Greek: κρίσεως, kriseōs): From κρίσις (krisis), meaning judgment, decision, or a legal process.
• "because" (Greek: ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the reason.
• "the ruler of this world" (Greek: ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, ho archōn tou kosmou toutou): Refers to Satan, whose dominion and authority are ultimately judged through Christ's victory.
• "is judged" (Greek: κρίθη, krithē): Aorist passive subjunctive, signifying a decisive act of judgment that has already occurred in principle through Christ's death and resurrection.

John 16 10 Bonus Section

The Greek word "elenchō" carries a strong sense of exposing or proving something false, not just a mild rebuke. The concept of the Spirit convicting the world about righteousness highlights that Jesus is the standard by which all actions and motivations are ultimately measured. His ascension demonstrates that He has passed God's test perfectly. The judgment mentioned refers to the decisive defeat of Satan's power through Christ's cross and resurrection, a truth the Spirit makes known. The phrase "you will see me no longer" is poignant, pointing to a future reality where physical sight is replaced by spiritual understanding granted by the Spirit.

John 16 10 Commentary

The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted, beginning with convicting the world. This conviction is essential for salvation. The Spirit exposes the reality of sin, particularly the sin of unbelief in Jesus. He then witnesses to Christ's righteousness. Jesus' return to the Father confirms His divine status and vindication. His departure from physical sight means believers must now perceive His righteousness through the Spirit. Finally, the Spirit clarifies God's ultimate judgment, specifically showing that Satan, the "ruler of this world," has already been condemned. This reveals God's triumph and the certainty of final judgment for all who remain in rebellion. This divine impartation by the Spirit empowers believers to understand these spiritual realities.