John 14:18
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I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I will not leave you comfortless--in a bereaved and desolate condition; or (as in Margin) "orphans." I will come to you--"I come" or "am coming" to you; that is, plainly by the Spirit, since it was to make His departure to be no bereavement.
Open source ↗When friends are parting, it is a common request they make to each other, "Pray let us hear from you as often as you can:" this Christ engaged to his disciples, that out of sight they should not be out of mind. I. He promises that he would continue his care of them (Joh 14:18): "I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless; for, though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you." His departure from them was that which grieved them; but it was not so bad as they apprehended, for it was neither total nor final. 1. Not total. "Though I leave you without my bodily presence, yet I do not leave you without comfort." Though children, and left little, yet they had received the adoption of sons, and his Father would be their Father, with whom those who otherwise would be fatherless find mercy. Note, The case of true believers, though sometimes it may be sorrowful, is never comfortless, because they are never orphans: for God is their Father, who is an everlasting Father. 2. Not final: I will come to you, erchomai - I do come; that is, (1.) "I will come speedily to you at my resurrection, I will not be long away, but will be with you again in a little time." He had often said, The third day I will rise again. (2.) "I will be coming daily to you in my Spirit;" in the tokens of his love, and visits of his grace, he is still coming. (3.) "I will come certainly at the end of time; surely I will come quickly to introduce you into the joy of your Lord." Note, The consideration of Christ's coming to us saves us from being comfortless in his removals from us; for, if he depart for a season, it is that we may receive him for ever. Let this moderate our grief, The Lord is at hand. II. He promises that they should continue their acquaintance with him and interest in him (J…
Open source ↗14:18 Jesus had already assured his followers that they would not be spiritual orphans and that he would return to them (14:1-4). While he is away, they will be filled with the Spirit, who will sustain them with his presence (14:12-17).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?