John 16:14 Meaning: The Spirit Glorifies Jesus by Revealing Him
He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine and will declare it to you.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you.
He will glorify me, because of mine He will take, and will tell to you.
He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine and shall announce [it] to you.
Meaning in one sentence
John 16:14 explains that the Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by taking what is Christ's and revealing it to believers, drawing all attention to the Son.
Context
Jesus spoke these words to his closest friends on the night before he died. They could not bear all he had to say, and he knew their hearts were heavy with confusion and fear. So he told them about the One who would come after him: the Holy Spirit, the Counselor. This verse sits within that promise. Jesus wanted them to understand that the Spirit would not be a replacement who made Jesus irrelevant. Instead, the Spirit's whole purpose would be to turn their eyes back to Jesus. Whatever the Spirit teaches, whatever truth he brings, it will always come from the wealth of who Christ is. The disciples needed to know that the Spirit would not introduce a different message, but would take the very things of Christ and make them known.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the heart of this verse. The verb doxazō, 'will glorify', means to honor, to magnify, to reveal someone's true worth. The Spirit does not add glory to Jesus; He uncovers the glory already there. The word lambanō, translated 'take,' is an active word. It means to take hold of something in order to use it. The Spirit does not passively receive bits of information; He reaches into the fullness of Christ and brings out what we need. And anangellō, 'will declare' or 'disclose', means to announce plainly, to bring news that changes how we see things. Together they paint a picture: the Spirit is always at work, drawing from the treasure of who Jesus is and making it real to you. He never points to Himself. He holds up Christ for you to see.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that the Spirit's work centers on Christ. Many Protestant commentators, from Calvin to Matthew Henry, stress that the Spirit does not give new revelations beyond what Jesus has already said; He illuminates and applies the truth of Christ. Catholic and Orthodox traditions also see the Spirit's role as revealing Christ, especially through the life of the Church and the sacraments, always in harmony with Scripture. Both streams affirm that the Spirit glorifies Jesus, not by competing with Him, but by making Him known.
A common misunderstanding
Some assume the Holy Spirit gives new teachings that go beyond or even contradict what Jesus said. This can lead people to value dramatic experiences or private revelations over the Jesus we meet in the Gospels. In fact, Jesus says the Spirit takes 'from what is mine' and declares it. The Spirit's message always points back to Christ. Any teaching that overshadows Jesus or distorts His words does not come from the Spirit of truth.
Living This Out
This week, pay attention to moments when you feel drawn to Jesus, when a verse about His love strikes you, or a sense of His nearness surprises you in prayer. That is the Spirit at work. He is taking something from the riches of Christ and placing it before your heart. If you are ever unsure whether a thought or impulse is from the Spirit, ask one question: Does this make Jesus more wonderful to me? The Spirit's signature is that He always honors the Son.
Main takeaway: The Holy Spirit works to make Jesus real to you, taking what belongs to Christ and unveiling it in your heart.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The Holy Spirit helps you see how wonderful Jesus is. He takes good things about Jesus and shows them to you.
For ages 9, 12
The Holy Spirit doesn't want to be the center of attention. Instead, He shines a light on Jesus. When you read the Bible or pray, the Spirit helps you understand who Jesus is and why He is the most important person in your life. That's how He glorifies Jesus.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will glorify Jesus?
It means the Spirit honors and magnifies Christ by revealing His character, work, and love to believers. He doesn't add anything to Jesus but uncovers the glory already there, drawing our hearts to trust and adore Him.
How does the Spirit 'take from what is mine'?
Jesus says that everything the Father has belongs to Him (verse 15). The Spirit takes from the full treasury of Christ's person and work and shares it with us. This includes truth, grace, and the reality of who Jesus is.
Does the Holy Spirit speak on His own?
No. In verse 13 Jesus says the Spirit does not speak from Himself but speaks what He hears. His message always comes from the Father and the Son, and it always points to Christ.
What is the main job of the Holy Spirit according to Jesus?
To glorify Jesus. The Spirit testifies about Jesus (John 15:26), guides believers into truth, and reveals the things of Christ to them. Everything He does centers on making Jesus known.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study