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Selected Verse: John 14:17 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Joh 14:17	Strong Concordance	Even the Spirit [4151] of truth [225]; whom [3739] the world [2889] cannot [3756] [1410] receive [2983], because [3754] it seeth [2334] him [846] not [3756], neither [3761] knoweth [1097] him [846]: but [1161] ye [5210] know [1097] him [846]; for [3754] he dwelleth [3306] with [3844] you [5213], and [2532] shall be [2071] in [1722] you [5213].
	King James	Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
whom the world cannot receive, &c.--(See Co1 2:14). he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you--Though the proper fulness of both these was yet future, our Lord, by using both the present and the future, seems plainly to say that they already had the germ of this great blessing.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

whom the world cannot receive, &c.--(See Co1 2:14).

he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you--Though the proper fulness of both these was yet future, our Lord, by using both the present and the future, seems plainly to say that they already had the germ of this great blessing.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
The Spirit of truth - He is thus called here because he would teach them the truth, or would guide them into all truth, Joh 16:13. He would keep them from all error, and teach them the truth, which, either by writing or preaching, they were to communicate to others. The world - The term world is often used to denote all who are entirely under the influence of the things of this world - pride, ambition, and pleasure; all who are not Christians, and especially all who are addicted to gross vices and pursuits, Co1 1:21; Co1 11:32; Joh 12:31; Co2 4:4. Cannot receive - Cannot admit as a Teacher or Comforter, or cannot receive in his offices of enlightening and purifying. The reason why they could not do this is immediately added. Because it seeth him not - The men of the world are under the influence of the senses. They walk by sight, and not by faith. Hence, what they cannot perceive by their senses, what does not gratify their sight, or taste, or feeling, makes no impression on them. As they cannot see the operations of the Spirit Joh 3:8, they judge that all that is said of his influence is delusive, and hence, they cannot receive him. They have an erroneous mode of judging of what is for the welfare of man. Neither knoweth him - To know, in the Scriptures, often means more than the act of the mind in simply understanding a thing. It denotes every act or emotion of the mind that is requisite in receiving the proper impression of a truth. Hence, it often includes the idea of "approbation," of "love," of "cordial feeling," Psa 1:6; Psa 37:18; Psa 138:6; Nah 1:7; Ti2 2:19. In this place it means the approbation of the heart; and as the people of the world do not approve of or desire the aid of the Spirit, so it is said they cannot receive him. They have no love for him, and they reject him. Men often consider his work in the conversion of sinners and in revivals as delusion. They love the world so much that they cannot understand his work or embrace him. He dwelleth in you - The Spirit dwells in Christians by his sacred influences. There is no personal union, no physical indwelling, for God is essentially present in one place as much as in another; but he works in us repentance, peace, joy, meekness, etc. He teaches us, guides us, and comforts us. See the notes at Gal 5:22-24. Thus, he is said to dwell in us when we are made pure, peaceable, holy, humble; when we become like him, and cherish his sacred influences. The word "dwelleth" means to remain with them. Jesus was to be taken away, but the Spirit would remain. It is also implied that they would know his presence, and have assurance that they were under his guidance. This was true of the apostles as inspired men, and it is true of all Christians that by ascertaining that they have the "graces of the Spirit" - joy, peace, long-suffering, etc. they know that they are the children of God, Jo1 3:24; Jo1 5:10.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

The Spirit of truth - He is thus called here because he would teach them the truth, or would guide them into all truth, Joh 16:13. He would keep them from all error, and teach them the truth, which, either by writing or preaching, they were to communicate to others.

The world - The term world is often used to denote all who are entirely under the influence of the things of this world - pride, ambition, and pleasure; all who are not Christians, and especially all who are addicted to gross vices and pursuits, Co1 1:21; Co1 11:32; Joh 12:31; Co2 4:4.

Cannot receive - Cannot admit as a Teacher or Comforter, or cannot receive in his offices of enlightening and purifying. The reason why they could not do this is immediately added.

Because it seeth him not - The men of the world are under the influence of the senses. They walk by sight, and not by faith. Hence, what they cannot perceive by their senses, what does not gratify their sight, or taste, or feeling, makes no impression on them. As they cannot see the operations of the Spirit Joh 3:8, they judge that all that is said of his influence is delusive, and hence, they cannot receive him. They have an erroneous mode of judging of what is for the welfare of man.

Neither knoweth him - To know, in the Scriptures, often means more than the act of the mind in simply understanding a thing. It denotes every act or emotion of the mind that is requisite in receiving the proper impression of a truth. Hence, it often includes the idea of "approbation," of "love," of "cordial feeling," Psa 1:6; Psa 37:18; Psa 138:6; Nah 1:7; Ti2 2:19. In this place it means the approbation of the heart; and as the people of the world do not approve of or desire the aid of the Spirit, so it is said they cannot receive him. They have no love for him, and they reject him. Men often consider his work in the conversion of sinners and in revivals as delusion. They love the world so much that they cannot understand his work or embrace him.

He dwelleth in you - The Spirit dwells in Christians by his sacred influences. There is no personal union, no physical indwelling, for God is essentially present in one place as much as in another; but he works in us repentance, peace, joy, meekness, etc. He teaches us, guides us, and comforts us. See the notes at Gal 5:22-24. Thus, he is said to dwell in us when we are made pure, peaceable, holy, humble; when we become like him, and cherish his sacred influences. The word "dwelleth" means to remain with them. Jesus was to be taken away, but the Spirit would remain. It is also implied that they would know his presence, and have assurance that they were under his guidance. This was true of the apostles as inspired men, and it is true of all Christians that by ascertaining that they have the "graces of the Spirit" - joy, peace, long-suffering, etc. they know that they are the children of God, Jo1 3:24; Jo1 5:10.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
world Greek, "kosmos", means "world-system". (Joh 15:18); (Joh 15:19); (Joh 7:7). (See Scofield) - (Rev 13:8).

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
The Spirit of Truth "A most exquisite title," says Bengel. The Spirit, who has the truth, reveals it, by knowledge in the understanding; confers it by practical proof and taste in the will; testifies of it to others also through those to whom He has revealed it; and defends that truth, of which Joh 1:17 speaks, grace and truth.... The truth makes all our virtues true. Otherwise there is a kind of false knowledge, false faith, false hope, false love; but there is no such thing as false truth." The world See on Joh 1:9. Shall be in you Some editors read, ἐστίν, is in you.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
The Spirit of truth - Who has, reveals, testifies, and defends the truth as it is in Jesus. Whom the world - All who do not love or fear God, cannot receive, because it seeth him not - Having no spiritual senses, no internal eye to discern him; nor consequently knoweth him. He shall be in you - As a constant guest. Your bodies and souls shall be temples of the Holy Ghost dwelling in you.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
The Spirit of truth - The Spirit, or Holy Ghost, whose essential office is to manifest, vindicate, and apply the truth. The Gospel of Christ may be thus called, because it exposes falsity, removes error, and teaches the knowledge of the true God - shows the way to him, saves from vanity and illusive hopes, and establishes solid happiness in the souls of those who believe. The world cannot receive - By the world, St. John means those who are influenced only by the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life, Jo1 2:16. Now these cannot receive the Spirit of the truth, because they see him not, have no spiritual discernment, attend to nothing but the dictates of their corrupt passions and affections, and will admit of no influence but what can be an object of their senses. Hence all the deign and irreligion in the world. God, in the operation of his hands, and in the influences of his Spirit, is found every where except in the perverted passions of men. In these alone do men of corrupt minds seek him; here only he is not to be found, and therefore they become infidels and atheists. But ye know him - Ye have already received a measure of the truth, and ye believe in this Spirit. Probably our Lord refers to the knowledge which they should afterwards attain: in this sense the passage has been understood by the Vulgate, Nonnus, and two copies of the Itala, which read, Ye Shall know him. For he dwelleth with you - Or, as the Ethiopic, Vulgate, Nonnus, and six copies of the Itala read, he shall dwell with you, (see above); and this, it is very evident, is the meaning of the evangelist, who not unfrequently uses the present for the future tense. It is certain the Holy Spirit was not yet given to the disciples so as to dwell in them; this St. John himself assures us, Joh 7:39. And it is evidently of that Spirit and its influences, which was not given till the day of pentecost, that our Lord here speaks.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

The Spirit of truth - The Spirit, or Holy Ghost, whose essential office is to manifest, vindicate, and apply the truth. The Gospel of Christ may be thus called, because it exposes falsity, removes error, and teaches the knowledge of the true God - shows the way to him, saves from vanity and illusive hopes, and establishes solid happiness in the souls of those who believe.

The world cannot receive - By the world, St. John means those who are influenced only by the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life, Jo1 2:16. Now these cannot receive the Spirit of the truth, because they see him not, have no spiritual discernment, attend to nothing but the dictates of their corrupt passions and affections, and will admit of no influence but what can be an object of their senses. Hence all the deign and irreligion in the world. God, in the operation of his hands, and in the influences of his Spirit, is found every where except in the perverted passions of men. In these alone do men of corrupt minds seek him; here only he is not to be found, and therefore they become infidels and atheists.

But ye know him - Ye have already received a measure of the truth, and ye believe in this Spirit. Probably our Lord refers to the knowledge which they should afterwards attain: in this sense the passage has been understood by the Vulgate, Nonnus, and two copies of the Itala, which read, Ye Shall know him.

For he dwelleth with you - Or, as the Ethiopic, Vulgate, Nonnus, and six copies of the Itala read, he shall dwell with you, (see above); and this, it is very evident, is the meaning of the evangelist, who not unfrequently uses the present for the future tense. It is certain the Holy Spirit was not yet given to the disciples so as to dwell in them; this St. John himself assures us, Joh 7:39. And it is evidently of that Spirit and its influences, which was not given till the day of pentecost, that our Lord here speaks.

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¹⁴ But [1161] the natural [5591] man [444] receiveth [1209] not [3756] the things [3588] of the Spirit [4151] of God [2316]: for [1063] they are [2076] foolishness [3472] unto him [846]: neither [2532] [3756] can [1410] he know [1097] them, because [3754] they are spiritually [4153] discerned [350].

¹⁰ He that believeth [4100] on [1519] the Son [5207] of God [2316] hath [2192] the witness [3141] in [1722] himself [1438]: he that believeth [4100] not [3361] God [2316] hath made [4160] him [846] a liar [5583]; because [3754] he believeth [4100] not [3756] [1519] the record [3141] that [3739] God [2316] gave [3140] of [4012] his [846] Son [5207].

²⁴ And [2532] he that keepeth [5083] his [846] commandments [1785] dwelleth [3306] in [1722] him [846], and [2532] he [846] in [1722] him [846]. And [2532] hereby [1722] [5129] we know [1097] that [3754] he abideth [3306] in [1722] us [2254], by [1537] the Spirit [4151] which [3739] he hath given [1325] us [2254].

²² But [1161] the fruit [2590] of the Spirit [4151] is [2076] love [26], joy [5479], peace [1515], longsuffering [3115], gentleness [5544], goodness [19], faith [4102],
²³ Meekness [4236], temperance [1466]: against [2596] such [5108] there is [2076] no [3756] law [3551].
²⁴ And [1161] they that are [3588] Christ's [5547] have crucified [4717] the flesh [4561] with [4862] the affections [3804] and [2532] lusts [1939].

¹⁹ Nevertheless [3305] the foundation [2310] of God [2316] standeth [2476] sure [4731], having [2192] this [5026] seal [4973], The Lord [2962] knoweth [1097] them that are [5607] his [846]. And [2532], Let [868] every one [3956] that nameth [3687] the name [3686] of Christ [5547] depart [868] from [575] iniquity [93].

⁷ The LORD [03068] is good [02896], a strong hold [04581] in the day [03117] of trouble [06869]; and he knoweth [03045] them that trust [02620] in him.

⁶ Though the LORD [03068] be high [07311], yet hath he respect [07200] unto the lowly [08217]: but the proud [01364] he knoweth [03045] afar off [04801].

¹⁸ The LORD [03068] knoweth [03045] the days [03117] of the upright [08549]: and their inheritance [05159] shall be for ever [05769].

⁶ For the LORD [03068] knoweth [03045] the way [01870] of the righteous [06662]: but the way [01870] of the ungodly [07563] shall perish [06].

⁸ The wind [4151] bloweth [4154] where [3699] it listeth [2309], and [2532] thou hearest [191] the sound [5456] thereof [846], but [235] canst [1492] not [3756] tell [1492] whence [4159] it cometh [2064], and [2532] whither [4226] it goeth [5217]: so [3779] is [2076] every one [3956] that is born [1080] of [1537] the Spirit [4151].

⁴ In [1722] whom [3739] the god [2316] of this [5127] world [165] hath blinded [5186] the minds [3540] of them which believe not [571], lest [1519] [3361] the light [5462] of the glorious [1391] gospel [2098] of Christ [5547], who [3739] is [2076] the image [1504] of God [2316], should shine [826] unto them [846].

³¹ Now [3568] is [2076] the judgment [2920] of this [5127] world [2889]: now [3568] shall [1544] the prince [758] of this [5127] world [2889] be cast [1544] out [1854].

³² But [1161] when we are judged [2919], we are chastened [3811] of [5259] the Lord [2962], that [3363] we should [2632] not [3363] be condemned [2632] with [4862] the world [2889].

²¹ For [1063] after [1894] that in [1722] the wisdom [4678] of God [2316] the world [2889] by [1223] wisdom [4678] knew [1097] not [3756] God [2316], it pleased [2106] God [2316] by [1223] the foolishness [3472] of preaching [2782] to save [4982] them that believe [4100].

¹³ Howbeit [1161] when [3752] he [1565], the Spirit [4151] of truth [225], is come [2064], he will guide [3594] you [5209] into [1519] all [3956] truth [225]: for [1063] he shall [2980] not [3756] speak [2980] of [575] himself [1438]; but [235] whatsoever [3745] [302] he shall hear [191], that shall he speak [2980]: and [2532] he will shew [312] you [5213] things to come [2064].

⁸ And [2532] all [3956] that dwell [2730] upon [1909] the earth [1093] shall worship [4352] him [846], whose [3739] names [3686] are [1125] not [3756] written [1125] in [1722] the book [976] of life [2222] of the Lamb [721] slain [4969] from [575] the foundation [2602] of the world [2889].

⁷ The world [2889] cannot [3756] [1410] hate [3404] you [5209]; but [1161] me [1691] it hateth [3404], because [3754] I [1473] testify [3140] of [4012] it [846], that [3754] the works [2041] thereof [846] are [2076] evil [4190].

¹⁹ If [1487] ye were [2258] of [1537] the world [2889], the world [2889] would [302] love [5368] his own [2398]: but [1161] because [3754] ye are [2075] not [3756] of [1537] the world [2889], but [235] I [1473] have chosen [1586] you [5209] out of [1537] the world [2889], therefore [5124] [1223] the world [2889] hateth [3404] you [5209].

¹⁸ If [1487] the world [2889] hate [3404] you [5209], ye know [1097] that [3754] it hated [3404] me [1691] before [4412] it hated you [5216].

⁹ That was [2258] the true [228] Light [5457], which [3739] lighteth [5461] every man [3956] [444] that cometh [2064] into [1519] the world [2889].

¹⁷ For [3754] the law [3551] was given [1325] by [1223] Moses [3475], but grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225] came [1096] by [1223] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547].

³⁹ (But [1161] this [5124] spake he [2036] of [4012] the Spirit [4151], which [3739] they that believe [4100] on [1519] him [846] should [3195] receive [2983]: for [1063] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] was [2258] not yet [3768] given; because [3754] that Jesus [2424] was [1392] not yet [3764] glorified [1392]

¹⁶ For [3754] all [3956] that is in [1722] the world [2889], the lust [1939] of the flesh [4561], and [2532] the lust [1939] of the eyes [3788], and [2532] the pride [212] of life [979], is [2076] not [3756] of [1537] the Father [3962], but [235] is [2076] of [1537] the world [2889].