Another Comforter —

What did Jesus mean in John 14:16 when he said he would ask the Father to send another Comforter? Does that mean that the Holy Spirit is like a blanket or a hug? The English word comforter has changed meaning over the centuries and a look at the original Greek is very helpful. When that passage was written, the word was Paraclete and it meant literally someone called to our side — in general use, a legal advocate. In that sense, the Holy Spirit is a Person who stands beside us to help. We must not miss the word before: we read of another Advocate. The Greek word in this context means an Advocate exactly like Jesus. The Holy Spirit is like Jesus. He is a Comforter and also an Advocate who stands beside us to strengthen and intercede for us.