John 14 (KJV) - Bible Truth Library

• The Holy Spirit would be not a passing visitor on the earth, even as the Son who had been with them for a season; He would abide forever. His dwelling with them is in contrast with any temporary blessing; and besides, He would be in them—the expression of an intimacy which nothing human can fully illustrate. (“John 14” by W. Kelly)

• He would pray the Father, who would send them another,277a a Paraclete or Advocate, as He Himself had been, One who would undertake and carry through their cause, as a Roman patron of old did for his clients or a modern solicitor does now in his little measure. (“John 14” by W. Kelly)

• {He may be with you forever.} this other Paraclete, given by the Father in answer to Christ, was not to be for a brief season, like the Saviour here below. (“John 14” by W. Kelly)

J. N. Darby Translation

And I will bega the Father, and he will give you another Comforterb, that he may be with you for ever,

JND Translation Notes

In the latter chapters of John's Gospel, in order to maintain the distinction, frequently important, between erotao and aiteo, the first is translated "demand" [except John 14.16 (beg)], the second "ask." There are times when they may be used indiscriminately, at other times each has a sense peculiar to itself. erotao expressing a familiar request to a person where intimacy exists [or equality, either assumed or actual]; aiteo, the request rather for something by an inferior to his superior. The disciples employ both of these words in their relations with Jesus, but only aiteo with relation to the Father. In his relations with his Father, Jesus employs erotao but not aiteo. Martha uses aiteo in ch. 11.22. For the difference between the two, compare John 16.23. In ch. 14.16 the word is erotao; in vers. 13 and 14 aiteo.

One who carries on the cause of any one and helps him. This Christ did on earth; this (1 John 2.1) he does now in heaven, and the Holy Spirit on earth "manages our cause, our affairs, for us." If "solicitor" were not too common, it just answers the sense.

W. Kelly Translation

and I will requesta the Father, and he will give you another Paracleteb, that he may be with you forever,

WK Translation Notes

It is of interest and even of importance to mark the distinctness of (erōtēsō) "request" as used of Christ with the Father, and (aitēsēte) "ask" (vs. 13-14) of the disciples. Scripture nowhere predicates of Him the last or supplicatory expression, save in Martha’s mouth whose faith though real was low. Christ uses (erōtēsō) in speaking to the Father, as the disciples use (aitēsēte) to Him, and both words to Christ. The word (erōtēsō) is also employed in the sense of "interrogating" or "questioning."

Philologically it is hard, not to say impossible, to conceive the Greek term meaning "Comforter." Its structure and usage alike point to one "called to aid", as a cognate but different form signifies a comforter. This a paraclete may well be; but He is far more, and summoned for every difficulty and need. So is the Paraclete, and in an infinite way, as a divine Person. To comfort is but a small part of His functions. "Advocate" might do, as in {vi 30552}{/vi}.