John 7:39
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Was not yet given - Δεδομενον, given is added by the Codex Vaticanus, (B.) the Syriac, all the Persic, later Syriac with an asterisk, three copies of the Slavonic, Vulgate, and all the Itala but three; and several of the primitive fathers. The word seems necessary to the completion of the sense. Certain measures of the Holy Spirit had been vouchsafed from the beginning of the world to believers and unbelievers: but that abundant effusion of his graces spoken of by Joel, Joe 2:28, which peculiarly characterized the Gospel times, was not granted till after the ascension of Christ: 1. Because this Spirit in its plenitude was to come in consequence of his atonement; and therefore could not come till after his crucifixion. 2. It was to supply the place of Christ to his disciples and to all true believers; and therefore it was not necessary till after the removal of his bodily presence from among them. See our Lord's own words, Joh 14:16-18, Joh 14:26; Joh 15:26; Joh 16:7-15.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this spake he of the Spirit--who, by His direct personal agency, opens up this spring of living waters in the human spirit (Joh 3:6), and by His indwelling in the renewed soul ensures their unfailing flow. they that believe, &c.--As the Holy Ghost is, in the redemption of man, entirely at the service of Christ, as His Agent, so it is only in believing connection with Christ that any one "receives" the Spirit. for the Holy Ghost was not yet given--Beyond all doubt the word "given," or some similar word, is the right supplement. In Joh 16:7 the Holy Ghost is represented not only as the gift of Christ, but a gift the communication of which was dependent upon His own departure to the Father. Now as Christ was not yet gone, so the Holy Ghost was not yet given. Jesus not yet glorified--The word "glorified" is here used advisedly, to teach the reader not only that the departure of Christ to the Father was indispensable to the giving of the Spirit, but that this illustrious Gift, direct from the hands of the ascended Saviour, was God's intimation to the world that He whom it had cast out, crucified, and slain, was "His Elect, in whom His soul delighted," and that it was through the smiting of that Rock that the waters of the Spirit--for which the Church was waiting, and with pomp at the feast of tabernacles proclaiming its expectation--had gushed forth upon a thirsty world.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Many of the people therefore,.... Of the common people, and it may be chiefly those that came out of the country: when they heard this saying; or discourse of Christ, on the last and great day of the feast, relating to the large measure of grace, and the effusion of the Spirit on him, that believed: said, of a truth this is the prophet; spoken of in Deu 18:15, which some understood not of the Messiah, but of some extraordinary prophet distinct from him, who should come before him, or about the same time; or they imagined he was one of the old prophets raised from the dead, whom they also expected about the times of the Messiah: or their sense might only be, that he was a prophet, which was true, though not all the truth; they had some knowledge, though but small; and they spake of him, though but as children in understanding.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:39 In Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, his life and the Spirit were poured out (see 19:34; 20:22).
John 7:39
Living Water
38Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” 39He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Laying Hold on Eternity) Knowing the Holy Spirit as Our Helper
By Zac Poonen2.1K57:33MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 7:39JHN 14:9JHN 20:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our calling as believers. He highlights the fact that just as the Father sent Jesus into the world, He has also sent us to our own little world of people whom only we know. The speaker emphasizes that we cannot fulfill this calling on our own strength, but we need the power of the Holy Spirit. He explains that the purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to reveal the Father, and as believers, we should strive to reflect Jesus in our lives so that others can see a glimpse of what God is like.
Los Angeles Conference #3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K41:32ConferenceJHN 7:39JHN 11:4JHN 12:16JHN 12:23JHN 17:1JHN 17:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the theme of hopelessness and impossibility in various situations. He refers to the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, where the disciples believed it was impossible to provide enough bread for such a large crowd. The speaker also mentions the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been hopeless and unable to be healed for 38 years until Jesus intervened. The sermon highlights the importance of having our lives aligned with Jesus and the hope and transformation that comes from that alignment. The speaker concludes by referencing Ephesians 3:21 and emphasizing that Jesus came to bring hope and realization to our broken lives.
Walking in the Spirit - Part 4
By Bruce Wilkinson1.3K1:08:57Spirit FilledEZK 36:26MAT 6:33JHN 7:39ROM 8:9GAL 5:16In the video, the speaker reflects on his experiences during the week, starting with an unbelievable day in Phoenix. He then discusses the need to establish healthy habits and avoid excessive television consumption. The speaker also shares his method of keeping track of spiritual disciplines, such as reading scripture and praying. He introduces various resources, including a book called "Family Walk" for parents, a compilation of teaching articles, and a textbook on the seven laws of a teacher.
The Living Water
By Bill McLeod1.3K40:56LifePSA 40:12ISA 44:2LUK 10:17JHN 7:39In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the path of righteousness and not being distracted by worldly temptations. He shares a personal story of a man he encountered who was deeply impacted by his words and experienced a life-changing transformation. The speaker also describes a vision he had, where he witnessed a battle between a demon and a believer, ultimately resulting in the demon's defeat. He concludes by highlighting the power of God working through believers and the need for forgiveness, love, and faith in our lives.
The Last Day of the Feast of the Tabernacles
By Frank Knox82047:25MAT 6:33JHN 4:14JHN 7:37JHN 7:39JHN 7:53JHN 11:35JHN 11:41ACT 7:55ACT 7:60In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ's actions during his time on earth. He highlights that Jesus rarely ran, but instead was often seen lying, walking, sitting, or standing. The preacher references Acts 7:54-60, where Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God before being stoned to death. The sermon concludes with Stephen's final words, asking God not to hold the sin against his persecutors. The overall message is that Jesus' actions and sacrifice demonstrate God's grace and power.
Playing With Fire: The Spirit's Baptism
By Shane Idleman1756:34Empowerment for ServiceHoly SpiritJOL 2:28MAT 3:11LUK 11:13JHN 7:39ACT 1:5ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 5:22EPH 5:181TH 5:19Shane Idleman addresses the significance of the Holy Spirit's baptism in his sermon 'Playing With Fire: The Spirit's Baptism.' He emphasizes that without being filled with the Holy Spirit, believers cannot effectively operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Shane discusses the importance of experiencing God's power and presence, warning against quenching the Spirit through sin and emphasizing the need for surrender and repentance. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, highlighting that true Christianity is about experiencing God rather than merely following rules. The sermon calls for a boldness in witnessing and living out one's faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Encouragement When There Is Defeat
By Peter Brandon745:50Encouragement in DefeatEmpowerment by the Holy SpiritZEC 4:6ZEC 4:10MAT 17:20JHN 7:39ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 5:14PHP 4:13Peter Brandon emphasizes the need for encouragement in times of defeat, drawing from Zechariah 4 to illustrate that true strength comes not from human might or power, but from the Spirit of the Lord. He highlights the historical context of the Israelites returning to rebuild Jerusalem amidst despair and opposition, reminding listeners that God can use small beginnings to achieve great outcomes. Brandon encourages believers to remain steadfast in their service to God, regardless of their circumstances, and to seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment for revival. He concludes with a call to recognize the potential of small acts of faith and the importance of humility in God's work.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
By St. Seraphim of Sarov0GEN 2:7PSA 45:10LUK 11:23JHN 4:13JHN 7:39ACT 10:35St. Seraphim of Sarov emphasizes the importance of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God as the true aim of the Christian life, surpassing mere external religious practices. He explains that good deeds done for Christ's sake bring the fruits of the Holy Spirit, while those done for other reasons lack the grace of God. St. Seraphim illustrates the necessity of prayer in acquiring the Holy Spirit, highlighting its power to bring God's grace and communicate with Him. He urges believers to trade spiritually in virtues, accumulating heavenly riches through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and other good deeds, all aimed at acquiring the abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2
By John Nelson Darby0The Holy SpiritGrace and RedemptionJOL 2:1MAT 12:19JHN 7:39ACT 2:41CO 3:161CO 6:192CO 5:19EPH 2:22John Nelson Darby emphasizes the monumental event of the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, marking the transformation of believers into the dwelling place of God. He explains how this event signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and the opening of grace to all nations, transcending the barriers established at Babel. The Holy Spirit's descent, characterized by wind and fire, empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, demonstrating God's desire for all to hear His message. Darby contrasts the law and the gospel, highlighting that through Christ's death and resurrection, redemption is available to everyone, not just the Jews. He warns against the rejection of this grace, which is essential for salvation.
John 7:37-44
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 26:27MAT 5:20JHN 7:37JHN 7:39ROM 12:19John Chrysostom preaches about the invitation of Jesus to those who thirst for spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of coming to Him with eagerness and desire to receive the living water of faith. He explains that the Scriptures point to the abundance of grace that believers will receive, symbolized by rivers of living water flowing from their hearts, and the necessity of believing in Christ for this fulfillment. Chrysostom also delves into the significance of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the transition from the Prophets' era to the Apostles' era where the Holy Spirit was abundantly given after Jesus' glorification on the Cross.
A Man After God's Heart
By T. Austin-Sparks01SA 13:141SA 15:221SA 16:7PSA 89:19JHN 1:4JHN 5:39JHN 7:39ACT 13:22HEB 1:91JN 5:11T. Austin-Sparks delves into the Bible's portrayal of men as the primary method through which God reveals Himself, emphasizing how each man represents distinctive features of God's thoughts and traits. These features, seen in men like Abraham's faith and Moses' meekness, collectively point to Christ as the ultimate expression of God's character. The sermon explores the concept of God seeking a man after His own heart, reflecting on the moral and spiritual likeness God desires in individuals, devoted to fulfilling His will. David's life is contrasted with Saul's, highlighting the importance of surrendering personal judgments and feelings to obey God's will completely, without reservations or compromises with the natural mind.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 7:39ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ACT 2:171CO 2:41CO 3:162CO 3:6GAL 2:20HEB 1:3Samuel Chadwick preaches on the significance of Pentecost as the crowning miracle and abiding mystery of grace, marking the beginning of the Christian dispensation. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon believers signifies the end of preparation and the establishment of a new order. The Spirit's ministry in the Church emphasizes the importance of sanctified humanity as God's dwelling place, highlighting that God seeks and dwells in men. Chadwick stresses that the Holy Ghost empowers individuals and the Church, emphasizing that God's biggest works are often accomplished through unlikely and ordinary people.
The Glory of the Lord
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GloryHope in Difficult Times1KI 8:11EZK 1:26MAT 27:45LUK 2:14JHN 7:39ACT 7:2EPH 1:192TI 4:18HEB 2:92PE 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of God's glory in His divine purpose, illustrating how every significant movement of God throughout history, from Abraham to Ezekiel, is prefaced by a revelation of His glory. He highlights that even in seemingly hopeless situations, like Ezekiel's captivity, the glory of the Lord can break through, offering hope and direction. Sparks asserts that God's ultimate aim is glory, and that understanding this can transform our perspective on life's challenges. He encourages believers to recognize the open heavens and the supremacy of Christ on the throne as sources of strength and hope in difficult times. The sermon calls for a renewed apprehension of God's glory to inspire faith and perseverance.
Jesus Offers Living Water to Thirsty People John 7:37-53
By David Servant0JHN 7:39David Servant preaches on Jesus' invitation for those who are spiritually thirsty to come to Him and drink the living water of the Holy Spirit. He explains how Jesus symbolically offered what only He can give, emphasizing the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit through faith. Despite the division among the people regarding Jesus' identity, he highlights how Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Messiah and the significance of the living water compared to the physical water provided in the wilderness. David also addresses the danger of blindly following religious leaders who may not uphold true Christian beliefs.
The Holy Ghost Was Not Yet Given
By G.W. North0BaptismThe Holy SpiritJHN 7:39ACT 8:15G.W. North emphasizes the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus during His earthly ministry, arguing that without a distinguishing name, the practice would have been meaningless. He explains that even those who believed and were baptized did not receive the Holy Ghost at that time, highlighting that they were still unregenerate. North references John 7:39 to clarify that the Holy Ghost had not yet been given, and he points out that the Samaritans, despite their belief, also had not received the Holy Ghost until Peter and John arrived. This underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life and the transition from mere belief to regeneration.
The Gift of the Spirit
By H.J. Vine0JHN 7:39JHN 14:15ACT 2:11CO 6:19EPH 1:13H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of the Holy Spirit in early preaching, emphasizing its fulfillment of prophecy and role in uniting believers into one body. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost marked the beginning of this era, with Peter referencing Joel's prophecy. The Spirit's presence empowers believers for witness and sanctification, serving as a seal of faith in Christ and vitalizing the assembly as the body of Christ. The Spirit guides believers into truth, glorifying the Son and demonstrating sin, righteousness, and judgment.
The Presence of the Holy Spirit in History
By St. Seraphim of Sarov0GEN 3:10JOB 27:3ISA 1:18MAT 11:12LUK 17:21JHN 1:16JHN 7:39REV 7:9St. Seraphim of Sarov explains the importance of recognizing the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, emphasizing the need to return to the simplicity of original Christian knowledge and seek communion with God. He delves into the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in the creation of Adam and Eve, highlighting how their disobedience led to the loss of divine grace. St. Seraphim also discusses the restoration of grace through Jesus Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and the ongoing struggle to maintain and grow in grace through repentance and virtuous living.
Understanding God's Heart
By Zac Poonen0ObedienceDiscipleshipISA 66:2MAL 1:11MAT 5:19MAT 6:5MAT 11:30JHN 7:39ACT 17:30GAL 3:24PHP 2:5HEB 1:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's heart through obedience and reverence. He explains that while God overlooks our ignorance, He now calls us to turn to Him and obey, highlighting that true obedience is liberating rather than burdensome. Poonen illustrates the difference between a fleshly and spiritual Christian, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit rather than worldly significance. He stresses that God desires pure sacrifices and true discipleship, not mere volunteers, and that our lives should reflect a deep hatred for sin to experience true joy. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, recognizing our purpose to bring pleasure to God.
Our Daily Homily - John
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual GrowthFaithJHN 1:50JHN 2:10JHN 3:27JHN 4:10JHN 5:20JHN 6:27JHN 7:39JHN 8:31JHN 9:4JHN 11:40F.B. Meyer emphasizes the progressive nature of God's revelations and blessings in the sermon 'Our Daily Homily - John', illustrating that as we grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ, we are invited to experience greater things. He encourages believers to live fully in the light of what they know, assuring them that God continually offers His best, both in this life and the next. Meyer also highlights the importance of humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and urges believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and obedience. Ultimately, he reassures that through faith, we will witness the glory of God in our lives and the lives of others.
Filling of the Holy Spirit
By Leon Morris0Holy SpiritSpiritual GrowthJHN 7:37JHN 7:391CO 2:14EPH 1:13Leon Morris emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, but it is not given indiscriminately; it is received only by those who are prepared to accept Him. He explains that while all Christians possess the Spirit, not all experience His fullness due to differing attitudes and personal responsibility. The desire for the Spirit is crucial, as it cannot be given where there is no thirst for divine aid or a willingness to forsake evil. Morris stresses that obedience to God is essential for receiving the Spirit, and that faith in Christ is the gateway to all blessings. Ultimately, the gift of the Spirit serves as a guarantee of greater things to come for believers, providing a foretaste of eternal life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Was not yet given - Δεδομενον, given is added by the Codex Vaticanus, (B.) the Syriac, all the Persic, later Syriac with an asterisk, three copies of the Slavonic, Vulgate, and all the Itala but three; and several of the primitive fathers. The word seems necessary to the completion of the sense. Certain measures of the Holy Spirit had been vouchsafed from the beginning of the world to believers and unbelievers: but that abundant effusion of his graces spoken of by Joel, Joe 2:28, which peculiarly characterized the Gospel times, was not granted till after the ascension of Christ: 1. Because this Spirit in its plenitude was to come in consequence of his atonement; and therefore could not come till after his crucifixion. 2. It was to supply the place of Christ to his disciples and to all true believers; and therefore it was not necessary till after the removal of his bodily presence from among them. See our Lord's own words, Joh 14:16-18, Joh 14:26; Joh 15:26; Joh 16:7-15.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this spake he of the Spirit--who, by His direct personal agency, opens up this spring of living waters in the human spirit (Joh 3:6), and by His indwelling in the renewed soul ensures their unfailing flow. they that believe, &c.--As the Holy Ghost is, in the redemption of man, entirely at the service of Christ, as His Agent, so it is only in believing connection with Christ that any one "receives" the Spirit. for the Holy Ghost was not yet given--Beyond all doubt the word "given," or some similar word, is the right supplement. In Joh 16:7 the Holy Ghost is represented not only as the gift of Christ, but a gift the communication of which was dependent upon His own departure to the Father. Now as Christ was not yet gone, so the Holy Ghost was not yet given. Jesus not yet glorified--The word "glorified" is here used advisedly, to teach the reader not only that the departure of Christ to the Father was indispensable to the giving of the Spirit, but that this illustrious Gift, direct from the hands of the ascended Saviour, was God's intimation to the world that He whom it had cast out, crucified, and slain, was "His Elect, in whom His soul delighted," and that it was through the smiting of that Rock that the waters of the Spirit--for which the Church was waiting, and with pomp at the feast of tabernacles proclaiming its expectation--had gushed forth upon a thirsty world.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Many of the people therefore,.... Of the common people, and it may be chiefly those that came out of the country: when they heard this saying; or discourse of Christ, on the last and great day of the feast, relating to the large measure of grace, and the effusion of the Spirit on him, that believed: said, of a truth this is the prophet; spoken of in Deu 18:15, which some understood not of the Messiah, but of some extraordinary prophet distinct from him, who should come before him, or about the same time; or they imagined he was one of the old prophets raised from the dead, whom they also expected about the times of the Messiah: or their sense might only be, that he was a prophet, which was true, though not all the truth; they had some knowledge, though but small; and they spake of him, though but as children in understanding.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:39 In Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, his life and the Spirit were poured out (see 19:34; 20:22).