John 14:15

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An Exegetical Study of John 14:25

This exegetical study of John 14:25 is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed Oct 20 1999. The initial inquiry focused on the specific Johannine phrasing ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων (“These things I have spoken to you while remaining with you”), particularly questioning the choice of παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων over a simpler construction like μετά ὑμῖν (“with you”). The discussion posited whether this choice carried particular theological significance, drawing a potential thematic parallel to the Spirit “remaining” on Jesus in John 1:32.

The main exegetical issue concerns the nuance conveyed by the adverbial participial phrase παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων in John 14:25. Specifically, the inquiry seeks to understand if the verb μένω (“to remain,” “to abide”) in this context carries a deeper theological import beyond mere physical presence, connecting to the broader Johannine emphasis on enduring presence, relationship, and mutual indwelling. The question also considers whether this phrasing represents typical Koine Greek usage or a distinctive Johannine idiom.

Ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων. (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no significant textual variants in John 14:25 between the Nestle 1904 edition and the SBLGNT (2010). Both texts present the same wording.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes

The text of John 14:25 in NA28 (Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th ed.) aligns with the Nestle 1904 reading, confirming the stability of this particular verse in the critical tradition. There are no notable variants that impact the interpretation of the phrase in question.

Lexically, the key terms provide significant insight:

• λελάληκα: This is the perfect active indicative of λαλέω, meaning “to speak” or “to tell.” The perfect tense signifies a completed action with ongoing results or relevance. Jesus’ words have been spoken, and their truth and power continue to be effective. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) notes that λαλέω can refer to general speech, but in a theological context, it often denotes divine communication or prophetic utterance. Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) further elaborates on λαλέω as conveying God’s active self-revelation.
• ὑμῖν: The dative plural of σύ (“you”), indicating the indirect object, “to you.”
• παρ’ ὑμῖν: This prepositional phrase uses παρά with the dative, signifying “beside,” “with,” “among,” or “in the presence of.” BDAG (s.v. παρά I.1.a) describes this usage as indicating proximity or association. The nuance here is more intimate than a simple locative sense, suggesting a personal presence and interaction.
• μένων: This is the present active participle of μένω, meaning “to remain,” “to abide,” “to dwell,” or “to stay.” As a present participle, it denotes continuous action simultaneous with the main verb λελάληκα. BDAG (s.v. μένω 1.b) covers its use in the sense of continuing in a place, but crucially, it also carries theological weight in John. In the Johannine corpus, μένω is a profoundly thematic verb (BDAG s.v. μένω 2.b), central to the concept of mutual indwelling between the Father and the Son, and believers and Christ (e.g., John 15:4-10). The initial discussion accurately notes its thematic recurrence from John 1:32 (the Spirit remaining on Jesus) to chapter 15 (believers abiding in Christ). TDNT dedicates significant space to μένω, highlighting its spiritual and relational implications of steadfast communion.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

Grammatically, the phrase παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων functions as an adverbial participle of attendant circumstance, modifying the main verb λελάληκα. It describes the condition or context under which Jesus delivered “these things.” The perfect tense of λελάληκα emphasizes the enduring validity and authority of the spoken words, while the present participle μένων underscores the continuous nature of Jesus’ presence during that period of teaching.

Rhetorically, the choice of μένω over a simpler verb of presence (like εἰμί or a construction with μετά) is highly significant within the Johannine framework. It is not merely about Jesus being physically “with” his disciples (μετά ὑμῖν) but about his ongoing, intimate, and intentional “abiding” in their presence. This aligns with the pervasive Johannine theology of “abiding” (μένω) as a spiritual state of continuous communion and relationship. The disciples are being prepared for a future where Jesus will physically depart but will continue to “abide” with them through the Holy Spirit and through their own abiding in his word and love. This phrase subtly introduces the crucial theme of enduring presence that will be expanded upon in the Farewell Discourses (John 14-17), particularly the concept of the indwelling Spirit and the believer’s call to “abide” in Christ.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The analysis confirms that the Johannine choice of παρ’ ὑμῖν μένων is not merely conventional Greek but carries deliberate theological weight. It emphasizes Jesus’ continuous, intimate, and intentional presence among his disciples during his earthly ministry, foreshadowing the deeper spiritual abiding that will characterize their post-resurrection relationship. The phrase serves as a bridge, grounding the authority of Jesus’ teachings in his consistent presence while simultaneously pointing towards the future reality of mutual indwelling.

Based on this exegesis, the following translation suggestions capture varying nuances:

1. “I have spoken these things to you while remaining with you.” This translation is quite literal, emphasizing Jesus’ physical presence at the time of speaking.
2. “These words I have told you, continuing to dwell in your midst.” This option highlights the continuous nature of Jesus’ presence and subtly introduces the sense of ‘dwelling’ that is often associated with μένω.
3. “These things I have communicated to you, abiding in your company.” This translation foregrounds the theological significance of “abiding” as a deeper, relational presence, consistent with broader Johannine themes.