in regard to sin
The phrase "in regard to sin" introduces the subject of sin as a central theme in this verse. The Greek word for sin, "hamartia," conveys the idea of missing the mark or falling short of God's standard. In the context of the Gospel of John, sin is not merely a list of wrongdoings but a fundamental separation from God. This separation is highlighted by the failure to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Holy Spirit's role, as described in this passage, is to convict the world of this sin, emphasizing the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

because they do not believe
The phrase "because they do not believe" points to unbelief as the root cause of sin. The Greek word for believe, "pisteuo," implies trust, faith, and reliance. In the Gospel of John, belief is not just intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus Christ. The failure to believe in Jesus is the ultimate sin because it rejects the only means of salvation and reconciliation with God. This unbelief is not just a passive state but an active rejection of the truth revealed in Christ.

in Me
The phrase "in Me" is central to understanding the object of belief. Jesus is the focal point of faith, and the preposition "in" (Greek "eis") suggests a movement towards and a resting in Jesus. This belief is not merely about accepting facts about Jesus but entering into a relationship with Him. The historical context of this statement is crucial, as Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will testify about Him and convict the world of its need for Him. The phrase underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the way to the Father, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospel of John.

(9) Of sin, because they believe not on me.--This should not be interpreted, as it very frequently is, of the sin of unbelief, but of sin generally; unbelief in Christ is stated as the cause of sin. Sin is missing the aim of life, the disordered action of powers that have lost their controlling principle. Christ is the revelation to the world of the Father's love. In union with God through Him the soul finds the centre of its being, and the true purpose of its life. By the witness of Christ the Holy Spirit convinces men that He is the centre of the moral harmony of the Universe, and that through Him their spirits have access to God. This conviction reveals to them their sin, because they believe not on Him. Its effect is salutary or condemnatory, according as we are convinced and converted by it, or refuse its influence and remain convicted.

Verse 9. - The three elements of this conviction of the world are separately treated. In respect of sin, because they believe not on me. The ὅτι, has been restricted by Meyer to "so far as," as though the conviction with respect to sin was limited to a charge of specific unbelief; and Hengstenberg would render it "consisting in this, that," etc. But surely the full causal force of the particle is to be pressed, "because they believe not on me." The essence of all sin is unbelief, a refusal to surrender heart and will to the Divine will and authority, though the world generally had taken different views of it: supposing "sin" to be disobedience to some particular class of duties, or the neglect of certain specific ceremonial. Christ declares that the Spirit which has always been striving with men to bring them into reconciliation with God, will now convict the world that its sinful tendencies and principles have reached their highest and most willful expression in unbelief εἰς ἐμέ, towards me. The most complete manifestation of God has received from the world the most utter and insensate repudiation. The very nature of sin thus stands revealed, the leprosy of sin will come out on the smiling self-complacency of the world. It will no longer be able to charge upon Adam, nor the devil, nor upon natures nor upon temptations of the flesh, the blame of sin; but will take the guilt home, and see that, in this crowning act of human folly, unbelievers have rendered themselves personally liable to condemnation, and, by rejecting infinite love as well as eternal law, have left themselves without excuse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


in regard to
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

sin,
ἁμαρτίας (hamartias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

they do not believe
πιστεύουσιν (pisteuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Me;
ἐμέ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: John 16:9 About sin because they don't believe (Jhn Jo Jn)