I will not leave you
This phrase is a profound promise from Jesus, emphasizing His commitment and faithfulness to His disciples. The Greek word for "leave" here is "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi), which can also mean to send away or abandon. In the cultural and historical context of the time, abandonment was a significant fear, especially in a society where family and community ties were crucial for survival and identity. Jesus assures His followers that He will not abandon them, highlighting His role as a faithful shepherd and protector. This promise is a source of comfort, reminding believers that Jesus is always present, even when He is not physically visible.

as orphans
The term "orphans" in Greek is "ὀρφανούς" (orphanos), which refers to children who have lost their parents and are left without guidance or protection. In the ancient world, orphans were among the most vulnerable members of society, often facing neglect and hardship. By using this metaphor, Jesus is addressing the disciples' fear of being left alone after His departure. He reassures them that they will not be left without guidance or support. This promise extends to all believers, affirming that they are part of God's family and will never be spiritually abandoned.

I will come to you
This phrase is a promise of Jesus' return and continued presence. The Greek verb "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai) means to come or to arrive. This can be understood in several ways: the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus' resurrection appearances, and His eventual second coming. Each interpretation underscores the assurance of Jesus' ongoing presence and involvement in the lives of His followers. Historically, this promise would have been a source of hope and encouragement for the early Christian community facing persecution and uncertainty. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder of the intimate and personal relationship they have with Christ, who is always present to guide, comfort, and empower them.

(18) I will not leave you comfortless.--Better with the margin, I will not leave you orphans, which exactly represents the Greek word. "Comfortless" is unfortunate, as it suggests a connection with "Comforter" which does not exist in the original. Our translators have rendered the word by "fatherless" in James 1:27, which is the only other passage where it occurs in the New Testament, and Wiclif has "faderless" here. He thinks of them as His children whom He is leaving in the world (comp. John 13:33), but He will not leave them destitute and bereaved.

I will come to you.--This coming, as is shown by the whole context, is the spiritual presence in the person of the Paraclete.

Verse 18. - I will not leave you behind as orphans, bereft of my paternal guardianship. Though the disciples were his brethren, yet, as we have seen, he calls them (John 13:53) τεκνία his "little children;" and (Hebrews 2:11) the apostles reckoned him as Arthur (in 'Guinevere') does when he speaks of "our fair Father Christ." His departure might be the signal for the most utter sense of desertion, exposure, and peril; and even the promise of another Advocatus would hardly console them before the time would arrive when he would receive them unto himself; but, says he, I am coming to you. Much unnecessary comment has here arisen as to whether this coming was the last triumphant παρουσία of which he speaks in part in Ver. 3, - this would be incompatible with the assurances that then the world would and will see him: "Every eye shall" then be prophetic and "see him," and "before him shall be gathered all nations;" or whether this coming be simply his resurrection with his transitory appearances in the flesh; for both of these representations would fail of the full consolation which would terminate their orphanhood. Surely he speaks of his own spiritual coming in the bestowment of the other Advocate, who, by being with them and in them, would prove to them, notwithstanding his own apparent departure, that he had come again in his glorious fullness of love. In the thought of the early Church the Lord was the Spirit: the glorified Lord, the Christ, who had "all power in heaven and earth," was manifested, was veritably present, in all the work of the Spirit of God in his Church. The Spirit was not only the Unity of the Father and the Son, the one Self-consciousness of both, but the one Consciousness of the Son of God and Son of man, the uniting Energy which represents the one Personality of the Christ, the Spirit-power which blends all the members of the mystical body with the Head. Throughout the Acts of the Apostles we see that all the great operations of the Holy Spirit are but the energies of the living, reigning Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I will not leave
ἀφήσω (aphēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

as orphans;
ὀρφανούς (orphanous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3737: Bereaved, an orphan, fatherless, desolate. Of uncertain affinity; bereaved, i.e. Parentless.

I will come
ἔρχομαι (erchomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Gospels: John 14:18 I will not leave you orphans (Jhn Jo Jn)