- E-ISSN 3091-7638
This study offers a nuanced perspective on the theological interpretation of John 16:8–11—the Paraclete passage—by examining the usage and theological significance of the verb ἐλέγχειν in Isaiah 2, 11, and 29. Previous scholarship on John 16:8–11 and lexical studies of ἐλέγχειν have largely approached this challenging passage through a juridical lens. Meanwhile, Isaiah 2, 11, and 29, rooted in Zion theology, employ ἐλέγχειν in prophecies concerning purification, the eschatological restoration of Zion, and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Moreover, Isaiah 11, as a messianic passage, anticipates the renewal of God’s reign through the coming of the Spirit. Yet even the comprehensive entry on ἐκλέγειν in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament scarcely addresses its theological import within LXX Isaiah. This study seeks to highlight this often-overlooked dimension, arguing that the Old Testament context of this term significantly informs its New Testament interpretation. Situating John 16:8–11 within this broader canonical framework underscores the continuity between the Testaments—not as uniformity but as a dynamic interplay of themes—thereby enriching our understanding of the Paraclete’s role in the Fourth Gospel.