The Holy Ghost was not Yet Given
John 7:37-52
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink.…


The Holy Ghost was not yet given. — The addition of the word "given" expresses the true form of the original, in which "Spirit" is without the article. When the term occurs in this form, it marks an operation or manifestation, no gift of the Spirit, and not the personal Spirit (comp. John 1:33; John 20:22; Matthew 1:18, 20; Matthew 3:11; Matthew 12:28; Luke 1:15, 35, 41, 67; Luke 2:25; Luke 4:1).

(Bp. Westcott.)Because that Jesus was not yet glorified (comp. John 16:7; John 20:17). The necessary limitations of Christ's historical presence with the disciples excluded that realization of His abiding presence which followed on the Resurrection. It is impossible not to contrast the righteousness of this utterance with the clear teaching of St. John himself on the "unction" of believers (1 John 2:20, etc.), which forms a commentary gained by later experience upon the words of our Lord.

(Bp. Westcott.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

WEB: Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!




The Great Invitation
Top of Page
Top of Page