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John 5:35
ESV He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
NIV John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
NASB He was the lamp that was burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
CSB John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
NLT John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.
KJV He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
NKJV He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

What does John 5:35 mean?

Jesus is currently providing evidence to support His radical claims (John 5:18). Rather than telling people, "just believe," or pointing out that truth does not require any human being's approval (John 8:14), Jesus graciously fulfills the requirements of Jewish law by supplying three "witnesses" on His behalf (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6). This is done out of love, to see souls saved (John 5:34).

The first witness Jesus refers to is human testimony. When John the Baptist began to preach, he was met with great excitement. There was so much commotion that religious leaders of Jerusalem felt the need to investigate (John 1:19–24). Many people were excited at the thought that John might be the Messiah. However, during the investigation, John pointed His testimony toward Jesus (John 1:25–28).

The gospel of John refers to John the Baptist—a different figure from the author of this Gospel—as a witness to "the" light (John 1:7). "The true light, which gives light to everyone …" is Jesus Christ (John 1:9). Here, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as "a" light, somewhat like a lantern which only reflects. John's entire purpose was to point people towards Jesus (John 1:8–9).

In the following verses, Jesus will explain two more "witnesses"—forms of evidence—which prove His message to be true.
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