1 John 5:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.

NIV: We accept human testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.

NASB: If we receive the testimony of people, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

CSB: If we accept human testimony, God's testimony is greater, because it is God's testimony that he has given about his Son.

NLT: Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son.

KJV: If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

NKJV: If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.

John assumes people will receive the testimony of men, so they ought to be willing to accept statements from God. John observes that "the testimony of God is greater." He argues from the lesser to the greater, noting the obvious belief to his readers that God is greater than people.

The second part of this verse gives further evidence that water and blood, as seen in verse 6, do not refer directly to Jesus. Instead, they draw a connection between God the Father and God the Spirit, and their testimony regarding Jesus. God the Father spoke clearly at the "water," the baptism of Jesus, calling Him "my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17). At the death of Jesus, the centurion declared, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). John the Baptist likewise spoke of the testimony of the Spirit at the baptism of Jesus: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him" (John 1:32). John the Baptist said, "I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God" (John 1:34).

First John 5:6–12 explains some of the evidence that Jesus Christ is, in fact, the Son of God. God's voice at Jesus' baptism, the events of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit are all described. Because of this multi-part testimony, Christians can have confidence in what they have been taught. Those who reject these facts, in effect, accuse God of lying.

Chapter 5 concludes the book of 1 John, once again emphasizing the supremacy of love in the Christian experience. Those who put their faith in Christ can know, for sure, that they have eternal life. This assurance comes by trusting what we know of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as the evidence of the Holy Spirit within us. Following God's commands, particularly love, results in confidence of our salvation, as well as strength against the temptations of the world.

First John 5 completes the letter by summarizing how Christians can know that they have eternal life. Prior chapters have explained the various signs of ''abiding'' with God, but the key measurement is love. In this final passage, love is once again used as the supreme measurement. In light of the rest of the letter, love for God and love for others is shown to be both a source of confidence and a sign of faith.

First John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ. This letter also challenges false teachers and their incorrect claims about Jesus. Many themes are shared with the Gospel of John.

Accessed 5/4/2024 12:05:47 PM