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Verse

John 14:17

ESV even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
NIV the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
NASB the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.
CSB He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn't see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.
NLT He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
KJV Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

What does John 14:17 mean?

This passage contains teachings from Jesus as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest and execution. In the prior verse, Jesus promised to send a "Helper" (John 14:16). Here, He specifies that this is the Holy Spirit, available only to those who believe in Christ. In fact, this Spirit "indwells" those who believe (Romans 8:9).

Recently, Jesus referred to Himself, using specific terminology, as "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Each of those statements came with a definite article—translated into English as "the." Here, Jesus once again uses specific terms. In Greek, He literally calls this promised Helper "the Spirit of the Truth." This not only emphasizes that there is only one valid kind of "truth," it connects the nature of this Spirit to the nature of Jesus Himself.

The Holy Spirit permanently resides in those who express faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). That indwelling will not begin until after Jesus is resurrected, which is why He says this Spirit "will be in you," rather than that it "is in you," at the moment He speaks to the disciples. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit will begin to live with all who believe in Christ (Acts 2:1–4; 10:47).

Those who do not believe do not have the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). Scripture often uses the expression "the world" in reference to the fallen nature of man which rejects God. Those who believe in Christ know Him (John 6:69; 8:31–32; 10:14), and they know the way to salvation (John 14:4). Those who reject Christ don't see Christ, so they don't see God (John 14:8), do not know God (John 8:19), and are lost (John 8:24).
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