John 14:18 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

John 14:18

18 I will not leave you comfortless:a I will come to you.