John 5

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

I receive not honour from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

What does John 5:32 mean?

Explanation

John 5:32 points to Jesus speaking about the testimony that validates His mission and identity.

In the context of this verse, Jesus is addressing the Jewish authorities who questioned His authority.

Jesus refers to another's testimony of Him as being valid and true.

The "another" mentioned is often understood to be God the Father, whose witness surpasses human testimony.

Jesus is highlighting that His works and life are not without witness, but God Himself testifies to the truth of Jesus's identity as His Son and the prophesied Messiah.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is one of the four Canonical Gospels in the New Testament that presents Jesus's life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

It is considered to have been written at the end of the first century, and unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), it contains unique accounts and interpretations of Jesus's words and deeds.

The historical context here involves Jewish authorities who highly valued testimony and required it for legal verification.

Jesus is facing scrutiny from these Jewish leaders, and in chapters 5 and onwards, He reveals more explicitly His divine nature and relationship with God the Father.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underscores the doctrine of the Trinity, though not explicitly mentioned, by implying the deep, interconnected relationship between the Father and the Son. It also touches upon Christology, the nature, and work of Christ.

From an evangelical perspective, the verse confirms the divinity of Jesus and the importance of recognizing and accepting God's witness about His Son.

In Catholicism, this verse echoes the tradition of Apostolic succession and the legitimacy of the Church's teaching authority, rooted in divine testimony.

For non-Trinitarian groups, like Unitarians, they may interpret this verse differently, often emphasizing the separate roles of God and Jesus.

Practical Applications

John 5:32 encourages individuals to consider the divine testimony regarding Jesus Christ. It teaches believers to seek spiritual discernment and to rely on divine rather than merely human authority to understand spiritual truth.

The verse serves as a reminder to uphold integrity and authenticity in one's faith, recognizing that God Himself has testified to the truth of Jesus Christ.

In daily life, this could inspire believers to consult the Bible and pray for understanding, recognizing these as sources through which God bears witness to the truth.

Cross-References

John 8:18: "I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
John 10:38: "But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him."
1 John 5:9: "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."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text is "μαρτυρέω" (martyreo), meaning "to bear witness" or "to testify." It can convey legal testimony, as well as a personal witness to a truth.

The Greek emphasizes a legal-level of confirmation and authenticity, which is why Jesus's use of it held such importance for His Jewish audience, who placed high value on reliable testimony.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious context of the time, witnessing was crucial in Jewish law, to the extent that a matter would be established on the evidence of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Comparatively, in other religious traditions, testimonials and the witness concept also carry significant weight.

For instance, in ancient Greek mythology, the gods would often bear witness to events to affirm their importance.

In Buddhism, the concept of witnessing is more internalized - one witnesses their own spiritual truths and progress.

Scientific Perspectives

John 5:32 does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry as it pertains to spiritual belief and theological testimony, domains that typically lie outside the purview of the scientific method.

However, the human inclination to seek confirmation and the psychological need for trustworthy testimony could be studied through cognitive science and psychology, offering insight into why humans seek validation from an authoritative source.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various insights on John 5:32.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the sufficiency of God's witness over human testimony in validating Jesus's mission.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that Jesus is setting forth the claim that His witness, which is God's, is true and should be accepted.

The MacArthur Study Bible highlights that John repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus did not bear witness to Himself alone, but His works, the Father, the Scriptures, and John the Baptist all provide a corroborating testimony to His deity and messianic office.

John 5

John 5

What does John 5:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 5:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?