John 16:8

8 and having come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment;

John 16:8 Meaning and Commentary

John 16:8

And when he is come
The coming of the Spirit here, chiefly designs his descent upon the apostles, at the day of "Pentecost": as the things ascribed to him, and which were then done by him, clearly show; though it may also include his coming along with, and by the ministration of the Gospel, into the hearts of his people at conversion, in all after ages of time:

he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment:
by "the world" is principally meant, the Jews; the world among whom Christ personally was, who knew him not, disbelieved him, rejected him as the Messiah, hated and persecuted him, even unto death; though not to the exclusion of the Gentiles, the whole world that lies in wickedness; since both joined, and were concerned in these things, and reproved of them; which "reproving", as it may respect different persons, may intend both such reproofs and convictions, as are not attended with conversion, and issue in salvation; and such as are powerful, spiritual, and to saving purposes: the several things the Spirit of God is said to reprove of, being repeated in the following verses, with reasons or specifications annexed to them, will be there considered.

John 16:8 In-Context

6 but because these things I have said to you, the sorrow hath filled your heart.

7 `But I tell you the truth; it is better for you that I go away, for if I may not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you, and if I go on, I will send Him unto you;

8 and having come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment;

9 concerning sin indeed, because they do not believe in me;

10 and concerning righteousness, because unto my Father I go away, and no more do ye behold me;