There is some question about the correct interpretation of "because" or "in regard to" (Gr. hoti) in these verses. Was Jesus identifying the cause for the conviction in each case, as "because" suggests (e.g, NASB), or was He identifying the specific subject of conviction, as "in regard to" suggests (e.g, NIV)? Normally hoti introduces a causal clause, and that is evidently what Jesus intended here. However, He could have meant both things. This may be another instance of double meaning, which is quite common in this Gospel. [source][source][source]
Failure to believe on Jesus after He had come is the great damning sin ( John 3:18; John 3:36). If people believed Jesus, they would believe what He said about their guilt, and they would turn to Him in repentance. In spite of their unbelief the Spirit graciously convicts unbelievers of their sinfulness so they will believe on Jesus. He may convict them of the individual sins they have committed, but a person can clean up his life and still go to hell. It is the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ that condemns people. [source][source][source]
"A court can convict a man of murder, but only the Spirit can convict him of unbelief." [1][source]
Context Summary
John 16:1-11 - The Work Of The Spirit
We gain by our losses. It was expedient for the disciples that the Lord should go, because the Spirit's presence was contingent upon His absence. The text needed to be completed before the great sermon could be preached. Christ's work must be finished before the Spirit could apply it. Every phase of human experience centers in Him whom the Holy Spirit reveals. Whether it be conviction of sin, or faith, or hope, all begin and end with Jesus. The chief sin of the present age is its rejection of Christ, and it is for this that men are condemned. The assertions of Jesus as to Himself are vindicated, and His righteousness is established. His divine mission was proved by His resurrection and ascension. The Cross was the scene of Satan's judgment. There the prince of this world was condemned and cast out. His power is broken, though he still does his utmost to intimidate and hinder the followers of Jesus.
The world comes to us first with her fascinations and delights. She comes next with her frowns and tortures. Behind her is her prince. He, however, exists only by sufferance. Meet him as a discredited foe. He has been judged and condemned. For the Church there awaits victory and freedom; for the world, the flesh, and the devil, hopeless defeat-the bottomless pit and the lake of fire. See Judges 1:7-8. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 16
1Jesus comforts his disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit, and his ascension; 23assures their prayers made in his name to be acceptable 33Peace in Jesus, and in the world affliction
Greek Commentary for John 16:9
Because they believe not on me [οτι ου πιστευουσιν εις εμε] Without this conviction by the Paraclete such men actually have a pride of intellectual superiority in refusing to believe on Jesus. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 16:9
Luke 10:25What shall I do to inherit eternal life? [Τι ποιησας ζωην αιωνιου κληρονομησω] Literally, “By doing what shall I inherit eternal life?” Note the emphasis on “doing” The form of his question shows a wrong idea as to how to get it.Eternal life (ζωην αιωνιον zōēn aiōnion) is endless life as in John‘s Gospel (John 16:9; John 18:18,John 18:30) and in Matthew 25:46, which see note. [source]
Galatians 4:6The Spirit of his Son [] The Holy Spirit which animated Jesus in his human life, and which, in the risen Christ, is the life-principle of believers. See Romans 8:9-1139 and comp. 1713537617_1. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9,Romans 8:10, where Paul uses Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ and Christ as convertible terms. The phrase Spirit of Jesus Christ only Philemon 1:19. In John 3:34Christ is represented as dispensing the Spirit. He is fully endowed with the Spirit (Mark 1:10; John 1:32): he sends the Spirit from the Father to the disciples, and he is the burden of the Spirit's testimony (John 15:26; John 16:7,John 16:9,John 16:10,John 16:15). The Paraclete is given in answer to Christ's prayer (John 14:16). Christ identifies his own coming and presence with those of the Spirit (John 14:17,John 14:18). Paul identifies him personally with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17). [source]
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: πιστεύω
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
Greek Commentary for John 16:9
Without this conviction by the Paraclete such men actually have a pride of intellectual superiority in refusing to believe on Jesus. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 16:9
Literally, “By doing what shall I inherit eternal life?” Note the emphasis on “doing” The form of his question shows a wrong idea as to how to get it.Eternal life (ζωην αιωνιον zōēn aiōnion) is endless life as in John‘s Gospel (John 16:9; John 18:18, John 18:30) and in Matthew 25:46, which see note. [source]
(ζωην αιωνιον zōēn aiōnion) is endless life as in John‘s Gospel (John 16:9; John 18:18, John 18:30) and in Matthew 25:46, which see note. [source]
The Holy Spirit which animated Jesus in his human life, and which, in the risen Christ, is the life-principle of believers. See Romans 8:9-1139 and comp. 1713537617_1. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:10, where Paul uses Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ and Christ as convertible terms. The phrase Spirit of Jesus Christ only Philemon 1:19. In John 3:34Christ is represented as dispensing the Spirit. He is fully endowed with the Spirit (Mark 1:10; John 1:32): he sends the Spirit from the Father to the disciples, and he is the burden of the Spirit's testimony (John 15:26; John 16:7, John 16:9, John 16:10, John 16:15). The Paraclete is given in answer to Christ's prayer (John 14:16). Christ identifies his own coming and presence with those of the Spirit (John 14:17, John 14:18). Paul identifies him personally with the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17). [source]