“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”– John 7:39 (KJV)
“When he said ‘living water’, he was talking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”– John 7:39 (NLT)
“He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were going to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.”– John 7:39 (MSG)
What Does John 7:39 Mean?
In understanding John 7:39, we come to realize this verse speaks volumes about the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, while teaching at the feast, was referring to the Holy Spirit when he mentioned “living water.” The living water signifies more than just a metaphor. It represents the life-giving force of the Spirit, which believers would receive later on. At this moment, the Spirit was not yet given because Jesus had not been glorified—meaning, he had not undergone his crucifixion and ascension. This verse shows us the beautiful promise of the Spirit who guides and empowers us as followers of Christ.
Jesus’ reference to “living water” invites us to think about what sustains us spiritually. In a world that can often feel dry and empty, the Holy Spirit fills us with hope, strength, and purpose. As believers, we have access to this refreshing Spirit, a vital connection to Jesus. This gift of the Holy Spirit signifies a new beginning and helps us walk in our faith confidently. Until this moment in scripture, Jesus had hinted at the Holy Spirit’s coming, but this passage clarifies the promise that awaits people who believe in him.
John 7:39 Explanation and Commentary
John 7:39 captures a crucial discussion about the Holy Spirit. The context of this passage occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a vibrant celebration among the Jewish people. It’s during this celebration that Jesus boldly declares the need for living water. This openly invites people to come to Him for that spiritual sustenance that only He can provide.
The statement “but this spake he of the Spirit” highlights the essential truth that the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of everything Jesus presents. This water is not just for physical thirst, but for spiritual rejuvenation. Every believer draws from the well of the Holy Spirit, which grants wisdom, strength, and guidance as we move through life. The Spirit allows us to witness miracles, engage in prayer, and experience the depth of God’s love.
One pivotal moment we need to note is when Jesus mentions that the Spirit had not yet been given. This means that until His resurrection and glorification, believers had not yet experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We can reference Acts 2, which details the day of Pentecost. This was the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the followers of Christ, fulfilling Jesus’ promise. Up until then, they lived under a different covenant, relying on the laws and rituals established in earlier scriptures.
Understanding the context is essential for grasping the fullness of Jesus’ message. His proclamation points us toward our future relationship with the Holy Spirit. This relationship highlights the availability of the Spirit to everyone who places their faith in Him. It breaks down barriers, allowing us to access the depth and breadth of God’s love, which is a transformative experience for all believers.
Context of John 7:39
Exploring the context of John 7:39 requires taking a step back to see the events happening in the chapter. Jesus was speaking to the people during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great celebration, remembrance, and thanksgiving. This feast commemorated God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey. People would come together, and traditions were rich in history and symbolism.
We also see that there was division among the people regarding who Jesus was. Some viewed Him as a prophet, while others believed He was the Messiah. Amid this confusion, Jesus stood up and offered a clear invitation: to come and drink of the living water. To speak of the Spirit was bold, and it naturally stirred curiosity and debate among the listeners. We can feel the tension of the crowd as they grappled with His identity and the implications of his teachings.
The juxtaposition of the feast and Jesus’ proclamation deepens our understanding of this moment. He had come to fulfill the deep spiritual longing represented by the rituals of the feast. The living water was a radical shift from the practices they had observed. Instead of rituals tied to physical sustenance, Jesus was suggesting something entirely new—a spiritual fulfillment through the Holy Spirit. This transition reminds us of our calling to consider how our practices of faith may shift and evolve over time.
Additionally, the mention of Jesus not yet being glorified transcends mere timeline markers; it reflects the necessity of His sacrificial death for the arrival of the Spirit. Only through the fulfillment of God’s plan could we achieve a direct connection with the Holy Spirit, leading to our empowerment and transformation. This reflects an essential aspect of our faith journey: understanding that Jesus’ sacrifice not only brought salvation but established a deep-rooted relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 7:39
Looking closely at the key phrases in John 7:39 allows for a richer understanding of what it means to possess the Holy Spirit. “But this spake he of the Spirit” signifies a noticeable shift in focus. Here we see Jesus transitioning from the physical to the spiritual realm. It urges us to see that our relationship with Christ is not mere tradition but dynamic and life-giving.
The terminology “living water” represents the refreshing essence of the Spirit. Just as water nourishes our physical bodies, the Holy Spirit nourishes our spirits, quenches our thirst for meaning, and gives us purpose in life. The assertion that “they that believe on him should receive” emphasizes that this invitation is not exclusive but open to all. As we share the Gospel, we should remember that everyone is welcome to receive this living water. It speaks to the heart of evangelism and our call to share our faith with others.
Next, we encounter “the Holy Ghost was not yet given”. This phrase indicates the necessity of Jesus’ glorification for the Holy Spirit to be imparted to believers. It reflects the significance of Jesus’ journey to the cross and His resurrection as a prerequisite for the believer’s relationship with the Holy Spirit. The glorification of Jesus serves as the launching point for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We should hold on to this crucial detail, as it indicates that nothing stands between us and our relationship with God, thanks to Jesus.
Finally, the phrase “because that Jesus was not yet glorified” serves as a reminder of the timeline in which this important passage occurs. This was a crucial moment in scripture, where Jesus still had to face the trials leading up to His crucifixion. This echoes the message that through suffering comes glory. As we embrace our trials and journeys, we can rest in the knowledge that glorification often follows hardship. It encourages us to view our challenges as part of our spiritual growth and maturity.
Lessons to Learn From John 7:39
Reading John 7:39 allows us to glean many powerful lessons. One of the most important lessons is the necessity of spiritual nourishment. Just as physical water sustains us, we need the Holy Spirit’s presence in our daily lives. It reminds us to seek God regularly, nourishing our spirits and keeping us aligned with His purpose. We are offered reassurance that God provides the sustenance we need to thrive. This highlights our dependence on God and His goodness.
Another valuable lesson is the significance of belief. It is through believe that we receive the Holy Spirit. This speaks loudly about faith being the entry point to a full and rich relationship with God. As we foster our belief in Christ, we unlock the fullness of His promises, including that living water, which quenches our spiritual thirst.
Furthermore, the timing of the Spirit’s arrival teaches us patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. Jesus’ glorification was a significant event, but it didn’t happen overnight. This should inspire us to trust God’s timing regarding our own lives, knowing that His plans are often revealed gradually. We may not see the results we desire immediately, but we can rest Assured that He is working behind the scenes.
Lastly, we learn about the inclusivity of the Gospel. The invitation to receive the Spirit is accessible to everyone who believes. This should encourage us to share our faith with confidence, as we believe people have the right to experience the living water. Our mission is to reach out, sow seeds of faith, and nurture relationships—all reflecting the love of Christ. Together, we have the honor of participating in sharing the joy of salvation with our communities, and we should not shy away from this responsibility.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on John 7:39, we celebrate the meaningful promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus unveiled before His glorification. This passage is a reminder of our deep thirst for connection with God, which can only be quenched through the Spirit. We must also acknowledge how pivotal this moment is in the timeline of salvation—a transformative shift in our relationship with God.
We encourage you to let this verse resonate in your heart as you seek to understand its implications for your daily life. We can find spiritual nourishment, strength, and purpose in the living water Jesús offers. Remember, the Holy Spirit is not just a concept; it is a dynamic presence that guides, comforts, and empowers us. As we walk and grow in faith, may we continually seek the living water that flows freely for all.
If you’re interested in exploring other topics in scripture, check out our resource on John 7:10, or learn about Numbers 13:23. There is so much wisdom to uncover in the Bible! Let’s keep our hearts open to the valuable lessons God has for us.