And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is about to leave, but He's not abandoning His followers to face the world alone. He's promising to send "another Helper," emphasizing that this new Helper is like Him, not different. This "another" underscores that the Holy Spirit will continue Jesus' work alongside them, not replace Him with something entirely foreign.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples, and they are understandably anxious. He has just told them he is going away and that they know the way to where he is going. Now, he reassures them that he won't leave them alone; he will ask the Father to send another Helper, who will be with them eternally.
Jesus is about to leave, but He promises not to leave His followers alone. What does He mean by 'another Helper'?
The Greek word for 'Helper' here is parakletos. While it can mean 'one who comforts,' its deeper, original meaning is 'one called to your side'—an advocate, a counselor, someone who stands with you and speaks for you.
Think of a lawyer in court. They are called to the side of their client to help them, to speak on their behalf, and to defend them. That's the powerful picture Jesus paints!
Jesus Himself was their parakletos while He was with them, guiding, teaching, and defending them. Now, He promises to send another parakletos – the Holy Spirit – who will fill that same role, but in a new, abiding way. This isn't just about feeling better; it's about having God's own advocate actively working with and for you.
Jesus' earthly ministry was limited in time, but the Helper He sends is different. What does 'forever' truly mean here?
Jesus tells His disciples, 'He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.' This isn't just a promise of comfort for a tough season; it's a guarantee of God's constant, abiding presence.
Unlike Jesus' physical presence, which was temporary, the Holy Spirit's presence is eternal. He doesn't just visit; He dwells. He is permanently with believers, not just in our communities, but within us.
This 'forever' means the Spirit is our constant companion, our unending source of strength, guidance, and truth, accessible not just for a moment, but for all of life, and even beyond.
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Understand the original words
patēr · Greek Noun
The first person of the Trinity, the Creator and sustainer of all things, who sends the Son and the Spirit to accomplish the work of salvation. He is the ultimate authority to whom Jesus prays and through whom the believer has access to God.
paraklētos · Greek Noun
A term used for the Holy Spirit, meaning 'one called alongside to help.' It signifies an advocate, counselor, intercessor, or comforter who provides ongoing support and guidance to believers.
Jesus explains that his departure is necessary for the coming of the Helper (the Spirit), who will continue His work and ministry among believers.
Romans 8:26This passage highlights the Spirit's role as an intercessor, echoing the 'Helper' concept by assisting believers in prayer when they don't know what to pray for.
Acts 1:8This verse connects the coming of the Holy Spirit to empowerment for witness and service, showing how the 'Helper' enables believers to carry on Jesus' mission.
1 John 2:1John directly refers to Jesus Himself as an 'Advocate' (Paraclete) with the Father, reinforcing the idea that the 'another Helper' sent by Jesus is of the same divine nature and purpose.
vincentJohn 14:16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
I will pray (ἐρωτήσω)See on John 11:22.Comforter (παράκλητον)Only in John's Gospel and First Epistle (John 14:16, John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7; 1 John 2:13. From παρά, to the side of, and καλέω, to summon. Hence, originally, one who is called to another's side to aid him, as an advocate in a court of justice. The later, Hellenistic use of παρακαλεῖν and παράκλησις,…
calvinJohn 14:15-18: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
If you love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, and knoweth him not; but you know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you orphans; I come to you. [67]
If you love me. The love with which the disciples loved Christ w…
Jesus is about to leave, but He's not abandoning His followers to face the world alone. He's promising to send "another Helper," emphasizing that this new Helper is like Him, not different. This "another" underscores that the Holy Spirit will continue Jesus' work alongside them, not replace Him with something entirely foreign.
Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples, and they are understandably anxious. He has just told them he is going away and that they know the way to where he is going. Now, he reassures them that he won't leave them alone; he will ask the Father to send another Helper, who will be with them eternally.
Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples, and they are understandably anxious. He has just told them he is going away and that they know the way to where he is going. Now, he reassures them that he won't leave them alone; he will ask the Father to send another Helper, who will be with them eternally.
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever," — Jesus is about to leave, but He's not abandoning His followers to face the world alone. He's promising to send "another Helper," emphasizing that this new Helper is like Him, not different. This "a…
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Last reviewed October 2026