It’s true confession time—I hate to clean out my clothes closet. I know that it should be an annual event, but it usually becomes a dreaded undertaking that is only accomplished when I can finally muster up the courage. Why? While doing this job, I have to come to terms with reality. I hate, hate, hate to part with a favorite shirt that is too faded, has too many holes, or rips. Then there’s also the ultimate “oh-no” factor. I have to try on clothes to see if they “shrunk” while hanging in my closet. This cleaning out the closet process forces me to admit that I can’t squeeze my body into a shirt or pair of jeans that fit perfectly last year, but now are somehow or another smaller—enough said.
Some time ago, while reading the Gospel of John commentary written by the noted Scottish Bible scholar William Barclay, I learned that those who translated our Bible faced a situation similar to my clothes closet shrinkage issue. They had to admit that from time to time, they had trouble squeezing the meaning and depth found in the Bible’s original Hebrew or Greek languages into an apparently much more confining English language. According to Barclay, this is particularly true of the word translated “Comforter” in John 14 through John 16. Here’s his observation:
“The Greek word is parakletos which is really untranslatable. The Authorized Version renders it Comforter, which, although hallowed by time and usage, is not a good translation. Moffatt translates it as Helper. It is only when we examine this word parakletos in detail that we catch something of the riches of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.” (Barclay, William The Gospel of John, Volume 2, Revised Edition page 166)
I could write a dozen or more paragraphs about this word, but it would only scratch the surface of its depth. Instead, I want to give you an assignment. Please take a challenge to follow Barclay’s advice and research this Greek word. You will quickly discover that trying to contain the enormity of parakletos into just one English word is like squeezing an extra-large body into a small-size shirt or a 38-inch waist into a size 32 pair of jeans. I am convinced that as you delve into the richness of this word, you will know, appreciate, and love the Holy Spirit in a new, fresh way.
Need help and resources? There is an incredible wealth of information available through the internet. In your research, learn about parakletos being a compound Greek word, that is, two Greek words put together to form a new word. You will also want to discover how parakletos is translated in various translation. I strongly suggest reading John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7 from the Amplified Bible (available at www.biblegateway.com). It will be worth your while.
Thank you, Br. Billy, for the “Unpacking Parakelos article.” You have stirred my hunger to learn more about and know the Holy Spirit in a deeper way. I will act on your challenge to research “parakletos”. The closet humor was pretty good as well. I can relate.
Charles, Kathryn Kuhlman is quoted by Benny Hinn in his book “Welcome Holy Spirit” as saying “He is more real to me than you are.” That’s my cry. I want to know the Parakletos in His fulness.
Thank you for this teaching. I love the Amplified translation…so rich! I pray we will receive the truth of the scriptures you shared.
Elizabeth, as a whole, we fall far short in knowing the Parakletos in His fulness. My desire and passion is to know, know, and know Him even more.
Amen . There is more to the depths of God, Holy Spirit. May I yearn more for Him everyday.
In Benny Hinn’s Kathryn Kuhlman, Her Spiritual Legacy and Its Impact on My Life, he quotes her as saying, “Believe me, without the power of the Holy Ghost I am sunk.” Amen? Amen!