so that
This phrase introduces the purpose or result of Jesus' communication. It is a conjunction that connects His teachings with the intended outcome. In the Greek, "ἵνα" (hina) is used, which often denotes purpose or result. This highlights the intentionality behind Jesus' words, showing that His teachings are not random but are meant to achieve a specific goal in the lives of His followers.

My joy
The joy that Jesus refers to is not a fleeting or superficial happiness but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and contentment that comes from a relationship with God. The Greek word "χαρά" (chara) is used here, which signifies a joy that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances. This joy is a reflection of Jesus' own relationship with the Father and is offered to His disciples as a gift.

may be in you
This phrase speaks to the indwelling presence of Jesus' joy within the believer. The Greek word "ἐν" (en) indicates a state of being or existence. Jesus desires that His joy becomes an integral part of the believer's life, transforming their inner being. This indwelling joy is a hallmark of the Christian life, setting believers apart as they experience the fullness of life in Christ.

and your joy
Here, Jesus transitions from His joy to the joy of the disciples. The use of "your" personalizes the message, indicating that the joy He offers is meant to be experienced individually by each believer. This joy is not just a passive reception but an active participation in the life of Christ.

may be complete
The word "complete" in Greek is "πληρόω" (pléroó), which means to fill to the brim, to make full, or to bring to completion. Jesus is expressing His desire for His disciples to experience a joy that is full and overflowing, lacking nothing. This completeness is a result of abiding in Christ and living in accordance with His teachings. It is a joy that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the eternal truth of God's love and salvation.

And that your joy might be full.--Comp. the words of the Intercessory Prayer in John 17:13, and the same phrase in John 3:29; John 16:24; 1John 1:4; 2John 1:12. The state of which He has spoken to them--the loving and being loved of God--is the ideal perfection of human life. It supplies satisfaction for all the deepest desires of our being. The capacities of the whole man are fulfilled in it, and the result is fulness of joy. They have learnt little of the true spirit of Christianity whose religion does not impart to them a joy which sheds its light over the whole of their lives. . . .

(8) The results of the union between Christ and his disciples. Verses 11-16. - (a) To themselves. The Lord moves into another and wider development of the union between himself and his disciples. He drops the metaphor of the vine and the branches, and comes to the essence of the relation between them; that is, he does much to explain the meaning and nature of his abiding in them, and the character of the fruit which they were expected by the great Husbandman and Father to bring forth and ripen. A connection between the second section and the first is revealed in the new beginning. Verse 11. - These things I have spoken, and am still speaking, to you (perfect, not aorist) with this purpose, that the joy that is mine may be in you. This is variously explained. Augustine, "My joyfulness concerning you," which is scarcely the burden of the previous verses; Grotius, "Your delight in me," which would be somewhat tautologous; Calvin and De Wette, "The joyfulness capable of being produced in you by me, might be in you." But the words are more simply explained by Lange, Meyer, Lucke, Westcott, Alford, and Moulton, as the communication to his disciples of his own absolute and personal joy. "The joy that is mine," like "the peace which is mine," is graciously bestowed. A joy was set before him, the joy of perfect self-sacrifice, which gave to his present acts an intensity and fullness of bliss. It was this, in its motives and character and supernatural sweetness, which would be in them. If they receive his life into them, it will convey not only his peace, but that peace uprising and bursting into joy; and he adds, in order that your joy may be fulfilled, i.e. perfected, reach its highest expression, its fullness of contents and entire sufficiency for all needs. 1 John 1:1-4 is the best commentary on this last clause. The Old Testament prophets had often spoken of Jehovah's joy in his people, comparing it to the bridegroom's joy, and the bride's (Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17). This entire idea is linked with Ver. 10; where the keeping of his commandments, from motives of love, will enable the disciples to "abide in his love." He now passes the whole law of the second table into the light of his joy and the power of his example.

Parallel Commentaries ...