Bible Strands
John 16:8
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples during the Farewell Discourse, explaining that his physical departure is necessary for the Advocate to arrive. This declaration occurs in the upper room, immediately preceding his arrest and crucifixion.
The words — ἐλέγξει (elegxei) translates literally to "convict" or "expose," while κόσμον (kosmon) denotes the "world" as the target of this exposure. These terms frame the Spirit's function as one of active revelation rather than passive observation.
The thread — This convicting ministry parallels Jude 1:15's judgment on the ungodly and Acts 2:37's heart-piercing response to the preached word. It also aligns with Zechariah 12:10, where poured-out grace produces spiritual mourning.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that unbelief is the defining sin, righteousness is anchored in Christ, and judgment is already in motion. A reader must face their own unexposed condition and submit to the Spirit's revelation.
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
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Cross-references
- Jude 1:15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”
- Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
- Zechariah 12:10 Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
- Acts 16:29 Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
- John 8:9 When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
- 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all,
- John 8:46 Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?