What does John 5:39 mean?

Explanation

John 5:39 contains a statement attributed to Jesus by the Gospel writer, addressing a Jewish audience.

In this verse, Jesus is challenging the religious leaders' understanding of the Scriptures (the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament).

He points out that while they diligently study the Scriptures, thinking that they will find the key to eternal life within them, they have missed the central purpose of these sacred texts: to testify about Him.

The "eternal life" they are seeking is not only a future hope but is also found in recognizing and believing in the person and work of Jesus Christ, whom the Scriptures point to.

Historical Context

John 5:39 is situated within a larger narrative where Jesus is defending His actions and identity to the Jewish leaders following the healing of a man on the Sabbath.

This healing had provoked controversy because it was done on the day of rest, when work was prohibited under Jewish law.

The historical context is reflective of the tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, who strictly adhered to Mosaic Law and tradition.

The verse reflects a time when the Jewish people had a profound reverence for the Scriptures but also shows that their interpretation of these texts did not always align with Jesus' teachings.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse presents several insights from different Christian perspectives:

• Evangelical: Many evangelicals affirm that the Scriptures are a revelation that points to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God, and through Him, one can attain eternal life.
• Catholic: In Catholicism, there is a recognition that while Scripture is indispensable, there is also an emphasis on Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church (Magisterium) to properly interpret the Bible.
• Reformed: Reformed theology often emphasizes the principle of "Sola Scriptura" (Scripture alone) as the authority for faith and practice.

However, it holds that the Scriptures must be understood to point to Christ as the center of divine revelation.

• Liberal Christianity: Liberal theological viewpoints might emphasize the ethical teachings of Jesus rather than focusing on claims about his identity and the traditional view of salvation.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a reminder for individuals to:

• Evaluate their study of Scripture to ensure it leads to a relationship with Jesus, rather than just knowledge for its own sake.
• Consider the goal of biblical study to be transformative, leading to a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus.
• Use the Bible as a means to encounter Jesus and discern His presence in their daily lives.

Cross-References

• Luke 24:27: "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."
• Luke 24:44-45: "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me."
• 2 Timothy 3:15-16: "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

The critical phrase in this verse is "Search the scriptures" (Greek: "ἐρευνᾶτε τὰς γραφάς"). The verb "ἐρευνᾶτε" (ereunate) is an imperative command to "search" or "investigate" thoroughly, implying an active and diligent endeavor.

The term "γραφάς" (graphas) refers to the writings or Scriptures, specifically the Old Testament in this context. The statement "they are they which testify of me" highlights the Greek word "μαρτυροῦσιν" (martyrousai), which means "to bear witness" or "testify".

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient texts, the emphasis on sacred scriptures as a testimony to a divine figure is somewhat unique to Judaism and Christianity.

Many other ancient religions relied on oral traditions, myths, and rituals rather than written texts. For example, in ancient Greek religion, the myths of the gods were conveyed by poets like Hesiod and Homer.

However, in Judaism, the written word held substantial authority, which Christianity inherited and focused particularly on the relationship to Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

While John 5:39 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, its implications for how individuals view and interpret texts can reflect approaches used in the humanities and social sciences.

For instance, the hermeneutics of reading a text can be compared to scientific methods of inquiry that emphasize observation, hypothesis, testing, and conclusion.

There are also parallels in the search for meaning within a text with the scientific search for understanding the natural world.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have provided various insights on John 5:39:

• Matthew Henry: He suggests that Christ is the scope of the Bible and that the Old Testament bears witness to Christ's divinity, suffering, and the glory that should follow.
• John Calvin: Calvin interprets this verse as a rebuke to those who do not rightly use the Scriptures, being blind to Christ who is their very essence.
• William Barclay: Barclay emphasizes the idea that unless a person finds Christ in the Scriptures, they have not found their true meaning.
• Raymond Brown: Brown sees this verse as the heart of the controversy in John's Gospel between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, centering on the identity and authority of Jesus as the one sent by God.