Bible Strands
John 14:18
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples during the upper room discourse, immediately following His explanation that the Spirit of truth would abide with them. He speaks these words to reassure them of His personal presence before His impending departure.
The words — The Greek ἀφήσω (aphēsō) literally means "I will leave" or "I will forsake," paired with ὀρφανούς (orphanous) to describe the disciples' expected state. Jesus contrasts this with ἔρχομαι πρὸς (erchomai pros), "I am coming to," affirming His direct return to them.
The thread — This promise of divine presence echoes Psalm 23:4, where God's nearness dispels fear in darkness, and aligns with John 14:3, where Jesus vows to return and receive believers. It also resonates with Matthew 18:20, which records His commitment to be present among His gathered people.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to recognize that abandonment is not their destiny, as Jesus explicitly guarantees His return. It requires acceptance of His promised presence as the factual foundation for endurance amid future separation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Cross-references
- Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
- John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
- Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”
- John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
- Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
- Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Psalms 101:2 I will ponder the way that is blameless—when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
- Hosea 6:3 So let us know—let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.