world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield " Matthew 4:8 ") .
sin Sin.
sinned Sin, Summary: The literal meanings of the Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία sin," "sinner," etc)., disclose the true nature of sin in its manifold manifestations. Sin is transgression, an overstepping of the law, the divine boundary between good and evil Psalms 51:1 ; Luke 15:29 , iniquity, an act inherently wrong, whether expressly forbidden or not; error, a departure from right; Psalms 51:9 ; Romans 3:23 , missing the mark, a failure to meet the divine standard; trespass, the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority Ephesians 2:1 , lawlessness, or spiritual anarchy 1 Timothy 1:9 , unbelief, or an insult to the divine veracity John 16:9 .
Sin originated with Satan Isaiah 14:12-14 , entered the world through Adam Romans 5:12 , was, and is, universal, Christ alone excepted; Romans 3:23 ; 1 Peter 2:22 , incurs the penalties of spiritual and physical death; Genesis 2:17 ; Genesis 3:19 ; Ezekiel 18:4 ; Ezekiel 18:20 ; Romans 6:23 and has no remedy but in the sacrificial death of Christ; Hebrews 9:26 ; Acts 4:12 availed of by faith Acts 13:38 ; Acts 13:39 . Sin may be summarized as threefold: An act, the violation of, or want of obedience to the revealed will of God; a state, absence of righteousness; a nature, enmity toward God.
Verse Meaning
The Spirit"s coming would result in heightened conviction among unbelievers concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. [1] Before then, that conviction had come mainly from the Old Testament, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the disciples" personal influences. [source][source][source]
What did Jesus mean when He said the Spirit would "convict" (Gr. elenxei) the world? This Greek verb occurs18 times in the New Testament ( Matthew 18:15; Luke 3:19; John 3:20; John 8:46; John 16:8; 1 Corinthians 14:24; Ephesians 5:11; Ephesians 5:13; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15; Hebrews 12:5; James 2:9; Jude 1:15; Jude 1:22; Revelation 3:19). In each case it involves showing someone his or her sin with a view to securing repentance. [2][source]
"In John 16:8 the Holy Spirit is involved in pointing out sin in order to bring about repentance. The legal idea suggested by some seems to have been derived from the use of the term in extrabiblical literature, whereas the biblical writers used elenxo primarily to describe correction, not prosecution or conviction." [3][source]
Wherever the Greek preposition peri ("concerning" or "in regard to") occurs after elenxei ("convict"), as here, some evil or source of evil follows (cf. John 8:46; Luke 3:19; Jude 1:15). The Spirit would not just accuse people of sin, but would bring an inescapable sense of guilt before God upon them (cf. 2 Samuel 12:7; Psalm 51:4). [4] This sense of guilt is an indispensable prerequisite for salvation. [source][source][source]
The title paraclete (i.e, one called along side to help, cf. John 15:26) is an appropriate one for the Spirit. He acts as a prosecuting attorney by demonstrating the guilt of those whom Jesus accused with His teaching. Earlier Jesus had spoken of the Paraclete as the defender of believing disciples ( John 14:16-18), but now the Eleven learned that He is also the prosecutor of unbelieving sinners. Believers are witnesses, the Holy Spirit is the prosecuting attorney, and the lost are guilty sinners. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
John 16:1-11 - The Work Of The Spirit
We gain by our losses. It was expedient for the disciples that the Lord should go, because the Spirit's presence was contingent upon His absence. The text needed to be completed before the great sermon could be preached. Christ's work must be finished before the Spirit could apply it. Every phase of human experience centers in Him whom the Holy Spirit reveals. Whether it be conviction of sin, or faith, or hope, all begin and end with Jesus. The chief sin of the present age is its rejection of Christ, and it is for this that men are condemned. The assertions of Jesus as to Himself are vindicated, and His righteousness is established. His divine mission was proved by His resurrection and ascension. The Cross was the scene of Satan's judgment. There the prince of this world was condemned and cast out. His power is broken, though he still does his utmost to intimidate and hinder the followers of Jesus.
The world comes to us first with her fascinations and delights. She comes next with her frowns and tortures. Behind her is her prince. He, however, exists only by sufferance. Meet him as a discredited foe. He has been judged and condemned. For the Church there awaits victory and freedom; for the world, the flesh, and the devil, hopeless defeat-the bottomless pit and the lake of fire. See Judges 1:7-8. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 16
1Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension; 23assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable 33Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction
Greek Commentary for John 16:8
And he [και εκεινος] Emphatic demonstrative masculine pronoun. When he is come Second aorist active participle of ερχομαι erchomai “having come” or “coming.” Will convict the world Future active of ελεγχω elegchō old word for confuting, convicting by proof already in John 3:29; John 8:46. Jesus had been doing this (John 7:7), but this is pre-eminently the work of the Holy Spirit and the most needed task today for our complacent age. In respect of sin Concerning the reality of sin as missing the mark and as wronging God and man, and not a mere slip or animal instinct or devoid of moral responsibility or evil. Some scientists and psychologists (Freudians and behaviourists) seem bent on destroying man‘s sense of sin. Hence crime waves even in youth. And of righteousness The opposite of “sin” and to be yearned for after conviction. Cf. Rom 1:19-3:21 about the necessity of the God-kind of righteousness and the Sermon on the Mount for Christ‘s idea of righteousness. And of judgment As certain to come as condemnation because of sin and the lack of righteousness. These are not played out motives in human life, but basal. For this ministry we have the help of the Paraclete. The Paraclete is here spoken of “not as man‘s advocate with God (1 John 2:1), but as Christ‘s advocate with the world” (Bernard). [source]
Of sin - righteousness - judgment [περί] Literally, concerning. Rev., in respect of. Of gives a wrong impression, viz., that He will convict the world of being sinful, unrighteous, and exposed to judgment. This is true, but the preposition implies more. He will convict the world as respects these three; that is, will convict it of ignorance of their real nature. [source]
Righteousness [δικαιοσύνης] Only here and John 16:10in the Gospel. It occurs in the First Epistle and in Revelation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 16:8
John 3:20Lest his works should be reproved [ἵνα μὴ ἐλεγχθῇ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ] Rather, in order that his works may not be reproved. Ελέγχω , rendered reprove, has several phases of meaning. In earlier classical Greek it signifies to disgrace or put to shame. Thus Ulysses, having succeeded in the trial of the bow, says to Telemachus, “the stranger who sits in thy halls disgraces ( ἐλέγχει ) thee not” (“Odyssey, xxi., 424). Then, to cross-examine or question, for the purpose of convincing, convicting, or refuting; to censure, accuse. So Herodotus: “In his reply Alexander became confused, and diverged from the truth, whereon the slaves interposed, confuted his statements ( ἤλεγχον , cross-questioned and caught him in falsehood), and told the whole history of the crime” (i., 115). The messenger in the “Antigone” of Sophocles, describing the consternation of the watchmen at finding Polynices' body buried, says: “Evil words were bandied among them, guard accusing ( ἐλέγχων ) guard” (260). Of arguments, to bring to the proof; prove; prove by a chain of reasoning. It occurs in Pindar in the general sense of to conquer or surpass. “Having descended into the naked race they surpassed ( ἤλεγξαν ) the Grecian band in speed (“Pythia,” xi., 75). In the New Testament it is found in the sense of reprove (Luke 3:19; 1 Timothy 5:20, etc.). Convince of crime or fault (1 Corinthians 14:24; James 2:9). To bring to light or expose by conviction (James 5:20; Ephesians 5:11,Ephesians 5:13; John 8:46; see on that passage). So of the exposure of false teachers, and their refutation (Titus 1:9,Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15). To test and expose with a view to correction, and so, nearly equivalent to chasten (Hebrews 12:5). The different meanings unite in the word convict. Conviction is the result of examination, testing, argument. The test exposes and demonstrates the error, and refutes it, thus convincing, convicting, and rebuking the subject of it. This conviction issues in chastening, by which the error is corrected and the erring one purified. If the conviction is rejected, it carries with it condemnation and punishment. The man is thus convicted of sin, of right, and of judgment (John 16:8). In this passage the evil-doer is represented as avoiding the light which tests, that light which is the offspring of love (Revelation 3:19) and the consequent exposure of his error. Compare Ephesians 5:13; John 1:9-11. This idea of loving darkness rather than light is graphically treated in Job href="/desk/?q=job+24:13-17&sr=1">Job 24:13-17. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]
John 3:20That doeth ill [ο παυλα πρασσων] The word παυλος phaulos means first worthless and then wicked (usually so in N.T.) and both senses occur in the papyri. In John 5:29 see contrast between αγατα ποιεω agatha poieō (doing good things) and παυλα πρασσω phaula prassō (practising evil things). Hateth the light Hence talks against it, ridicules Christ, Christianity, churches, preachers, etc. Does it in talk, magazines, books, in a supercilious tone of sheer ignorance. Cometh not to the light The light hurts his eyes, reveals his own wickedness, makes him thoroughly uncomfortable. Hence he does not read the Bible, he does not come to church, he does not pray. He goes on in deeper darkness. Lest his works should be reproved Negative final clause (ινα μη hina mē) with first aorist passive subjunctive of ελεγχω elegchō old word to correct a fault, to reprove, to convict. See also John 8:46; John 16:8. To escape this unpleasant process the evil man cuts out Christ. [source]
John 8:46Which of you convicteth me of sin? [Τις εχ υμων ελεγχει με περι αμαριτασ] See on John 3:20; John 16:8 (the work of the Holy Spirit) for ελεγχω elegchō for charge and proof. The use of αμαρτια hamartia as in John 1:29 means sin in general, not particular sins. The rhetorical question which receives no answer involves sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15) without specifically saying so. Bernard suggests that Jesus paused after this pungent question before going on. Why do ye not believe me? This question drives home the irrationality of their hostility to Jesus. It was based on prejudice and predilection. [source]
John 8:28When ye have lifted up the Son of man [οταν υπσωσητε τον υιον του αντρωπου] Indefinite temporal clause with οταν hotan It is unnecessary to render the aorist subjunctive as if a future perfect, simply “whenever ye lift up” (actually lift up, ingressive aorist). In Acts 2:33 the verb is used of the Ascension. Shall ye know Future (ingressive aoristic) middle of εγω ειμι ginōskō Cognoscetis ex re quod nunc ex verbo non creditis (Bengel). But the knowledge from the facts like the fall of Jerusalem will come too late and will not bring a change of heart. The Holy Spirit will convict them concerning judgment (John 16:8). For I am This claim Jesus repeats (see John 8:26) and clearly makes on his arrival at the feast (John 7:16.). This fact marks Jesus off from the rabbis. [source]
1 John 5:6And it is the Spirit that beareth witness [καὶ τὸ πνεῦμά ἐστιν τὸ μαρτυροῦν] Lit., and the Spirit is that which is bearing witness. Note the present tense, beareth witness, and compare 1 John 5:9, hath born witness. The witness is present and continuous in the Church, in the sacraments for instance, in water and in blood. Witnessing is the peculiar office of the Spirit. See John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8sqq. See on John 1:7. [source]
1 John 1:1That which [ὃ] It is disputed whether John uses this in a personal sense as equivalent to He whom, or in its strictly neuter sense as meaning something relating to the person and revelation of Christ. On the whole, the ( περί ), concerning (A. V., of ), seems to be against the personal sense. The successive clauses, that which was from the beginning, etc., express, not the Eternal Word Himself, but something relating to or predicated concerning ( περί ) Him. The indefinite that which, is approximately defined by these clauses; that about the Word of Life which was from the beginning, that which appealed to sight, to hearing is, to touch. Strictly, it is true, the περί is appropriate only with we have heard, but it is used with the other clauses in a wide and loose sense (compare John 16:8). “The subject is not merely a message, but all that had been made clear through manifold experience concerning it” (Westcott). [source]
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: δικαιοσύνη
Sense: in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
Greek Commentary for John 16:8
Emphatic demonstrative masculine pronoun. When he is come Second aorist active participle of ερχομαι erchomai “having come” or “coming.” Will convict the world Future active of ελεγχω elegchō old word for confuting, convicting by proof already in John 3:29; John 8:46. Jesus had been doing this (John 7:7), but this is pre-eminently the work of the Holy Spirit and the most needed task today for our complacent age. In respect of sin Concerning the reality of sin as missing the mark and as wronging God and man, and not a mere slip or animal instinct or devoid of moral responsibility or evil. Some scientists and psychologists (Freudians and behaviourists) seem bent on destroying man‘s sense of sin. Hence crime waves even in youth. And of righteousness The opposite of “sin” and to be yearned for after conviction. Cf. Rom 1:19-3:21 about the necessity of the God-kind of righteousness and the Sermon on the Mount for Christ‘s idea of righteousness. And of judgment As certain to come as condemnation because of sin and the lack of righteousness. These are not played out motives in human life, but basal. For this ministry we have the help of the Paraclete. The Paraclete is here spoken of “not as man‘s advocate with God (1 John 2:1), but as Christ‘s advocate with the world” (Bernard). [source]
See on John 3:20. Rev., convict. [source]
Literally, concerning. Rev., in respect of. Of gives a wrong impression, viz., that He will convict the world of being sinful, unrighteous, and exposed to judgment. This is true, but the preposition implies more. He will convict the world as respects these three; that is, will convict it of ignorance of their real nature. [source]
Only here and John 16:10in the Gospel. It occurs in the First Epistle and in Revelation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 16:8
Rather, in order that his works may not be reproved. Ελέγχω , rendered reprove, has several phases of meaning. In earlier classical Greek it signifies to disgrace or put to shame. Thus Ulysses, having succeeded in the trial of the bow, says to Telemachus, “the stranger who sits in thy halls disgraces ( ἐλέγχει ) thee not” (“Odyssey, xxi., 424). Then, to cross-examine or question, for the purpose of convincing, convicting, or refuting; to censure, accuse. So Herodotus: “In his reply Alexander became confused, and diverged from the truth, whereon the slaves interposed, confuted his statements ( ἤλεγχον , cross-questioned and caught him in falsehood), and told the whole history of the crime” (i., 115). The messenger in the “Antigone” of Sophocles, describing the consternation of the watchmen at finding Polynices' body buried, says: “Evil words were bandied among them, guard accusing ( ἐλέγχων ) guard” (260). Of arguments, to bring to the proof; prove; prove by a chain of reasoning. It occurs in Pindar in the general sense of to conquer or surpass. “Having descended into the naked race they surpassed ( ἤλεγξαν ) the Grecian band in speed (“Pythia,” xi., 75). In the New Testament it is found in the sense of reprove (Luke 3:19; 1 Timothy 5:20, etc.). Convince of crime or fault (1 Corinthians 14:24; James 2:9). To bring to light or expose by conviction (James 5:20; Ephesians 5:11, Ephesians 5:13; John 8:46; see on that passage). So of the exposure of false teachers, and their refutation (Titus 1:9, Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15). To test and expose with a view to correction, and so, nearly equivalent to chasten (Hebrews 12:5). The different meanings unite in the word convict. Conviction is the result of examination, testing, argument. The test exposes and demonstrates the error, and refutes it, thus convincing, convicting, and rebuking the subject of it. This conviction issues in chastening, by which the error is corrected and the erring one purified. If the conviction is rejected, it carries with it condemnation and punishment. The man is thus convicted of sin, of right, and of judgment (John 16:8). In this passage the evil-doer is represented as avoiding the light which tests, that light which is the offspring of love (Revelation 3:19) and the consequent exposure of his error. Compare Ephesians 5:13; John 1:9-11. This idea of loving darkness rather than light is graphically treated in Job href="/desk/?q=job+24:13-17&sr=1">Job 24:13-17. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]
The word παυλος phaulos means first worthless and then wicked (usually so in N.T.) and both senses occur in the papyri. In John 5:29 see contrast between αγατα ποιεω agatha poieō (doing good things) and παυλα πρασσω phaula prassō (practising evil things). Hateth the light Hence talks against it, ridicules Christ, Christianity, churches, preachers, etc. Does it in talk, magazines, books, in a supercilious tone of sheer ignorance. Cometh not to the light The light hurts his eyes, reveals his own wickedness, makes him thoroughly uncomfortable. Hence he does not read the Bible, he does not come to church, he does not pray. He goes on in deeper darkness. Lest his works should be reproved Negative final clause (ινα μη hina mē) with first aorist passive subjunctive of ελεγχω elegchō old word to correct a fault, to reprove, to convict. See also John 8:46; John 16:8. To escape this unpleasant process the evil man cuts out Christ. [source]
See on John 3:20; John 16:8 (the work of the Holy Spirit) for ελεγχω elegchō for charge and proof. The use of αμαρτια hamartia as in John 1:29 means sin in general, not particular sins. The rhetorical question which receives no answer involves sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15) without specifically saying so. Bernard suggests that Jesus paused after this pungent question before going on. Why do ye not believe me? This question drives home the irrationality of their hostility to Jesus. It was based on prejudice and predilection. [source]
Indefinite temporal clause with οταν hotan It is unnecessary to render the aorist subjunctive as if a future perfect, simply “whenever ye lift up” (actually lift up, ingressive aorist). In Acts 2:33 the verb is used of the Ascension. Shall ye know Future (ingressive aoristic) middle of εγω ειμι ginōskō Cognoscetis ex re quod nunc ex verbo non creditis (Bengel). But the knowledge from the facts like the fall of Jerusalem will come too late and will not bring a change of heart. The Holy Spirit will convict them concerning judgment (John 16:8). For I am This claim Jesus repeats (see John 8:26) and clearly makes on his arrival at the feast (John 7:16.). This fact marks Jesus off from the rabbis. [source]
Lit., and the Spirit is that which is bearing witness. Note the present tense, beareth witness, and compare 1 John 5:9, hath born witness. The witness is present and continuous in the Church, in the sacraments for instance, in water and in blood. Witnessing is the peculiar office of the Spirit. See John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8sqq. See on John 1:7. [source]
It is disputed whether John uses this in a personal sense as equivalent to He whom, or in its strictly neuter sense as meaning something relating to the person and revelation of Christ. On the whole, the ( περί ), concerning (A. V., of ), seems to be against the personal sense. The successive clauses, that which was from the beginning, etc., express, not the Eternal Word Himself, but something relating to or predicated concerning ( περί ) Him. The indefinite that which, is approximately defined by these clauses; that about the Word of Life which was from the beginning, that which appealed to sight, to hearing is, to touch. Strictly, it is true, the περί is appropriate only with we have heard, but it is used with the other clauses in a wide and loose sense (compare John 16:8). “The subject is not merely a message, but all that had been made clear through manifold experience concerning it” (Westcott). [source]
The aorist tense. Once and for all. Compare John 12:31; John 16:8, John 16:11. [source]