1 John 5:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Complete Jewish Bible:

the Spirit, the water and the blood — and these three are in agreement.

Berean Standard Bible:

the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.

American Standard Version:

For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and the three agree in one.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} there are^{G1526} three^{G5140} that bear witness^{G3140} in^{G1722} earth^{G1093}, the Spirit^{G4151}, and^{G2532} the water^{G5204}, and^{G2532} the blood^{G129}: and^{G2532} these three^{G5140} agree^{G1526} in^{G1519} one^{G1520}.

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Commentary for 1 John 5:8

1 John 5:8 is part of the First Epistle of John, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, who is also traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John. This epistle is generally believed to have been written in the late 1st century AD, addressing various Christian communities that were grappling with false teachings and the need for assurance in their faith.

The verse itself is situated within a larger discussion on the testimony of God regarding His Son, Jesus Christ. The "three that bear witness in earth" mentioned in this verse are interpreted in several ways by theologians and scholars. A common interpretation is that they symbolize different aspects of Christian belief and experience:

1. The Spirit: This typically refers to the Holy Spirit, who testifies to the divine nature of Jesus and convicts believers of the truth of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is seen as an active presence in the life of the church and individual believers, guiding them into all truth.

2. The Water: This can be understood in several ways, including a reference to the rite of baptism, which symbolizes spiritual cleansing and rebirth. It may also allude to the water that flowed from Jesus' side when He was pierced on the cross, as recorded in the Gospel of John, which some interpret as a symbol of the sacramental life of the church.

3. The Blood: This represents the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The blood of Christ is a central theme in Christianity, signifying the forgiveness of sins and the means by which believers are reconciled to God.

The verse emphasizes that these three witnesses—the Holy Spirit, the sacramental experience (symbolized by water), and the sacrificial death of Christ (symbolized by blood)—are in agreement, pointing to the truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. This unity of testimony is crucial in the epistle's broader context, as it serves to affirm the faith of believers and to refute heretical teachings that were challenging the early church's understanding of Christ's nature and work.

In summary, 1 John 5:8 reflects the early Christian struggle with theological controversies and the need for doctrinal clarity. The verse underscores the reliability of the Christian testimony about Jesus by highlighting the concurrence of the Holy Spirit, baptismal waters, and the blood of Christ as key elements that validate the faith. This triad of witnesses serves to strengthen the assurance of believers in the apostolic message about Jesus, which is foundational to Christian doctrine and experience.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1526
   There are 146 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰσί
   Transliteration: eisí
   Pronunciation: i-see'
   Description: 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί; they are:--agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.
   
3. Strong's Number: G5140
   There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τρεῖς
   Transliteration: treîs
   Pronunciation: tree'-ah
   Description: a primary (plural) number; "three":--three.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3140
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαρτυρέω
   Transliteration: martyréō
   Pronunciation: mar-too-reh'-o
   Description: from μάρτυς; to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively):--charge, give (evidence), bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1093
   There are 226 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γῆ
   Transliteration: gē
   Pronunciation: ghay
   Description: contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):--country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4151
   There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πνεῦμα
   Transliteration: pneûma
   Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
   Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
   
8. Strong's Number: G5204
   There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὕδωρ
   Transliteration: hýdōr
   Pronunciation: hoo'-dat-os
   Description: from the base of ὑετός; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively:--water.
   
9. Strong's Number: G129
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αἷμα
   Transliteration: haîma
   Pronunciation: hah'-ee-mah
   Description: of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred:--blood.
   
10. Strong's Number: G1519
    There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἰς
    Transliteration: eis
    Pronunciation: ice
    Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
    
11. Strong's Number: G1520
    There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: εἷς
    Transliteration: heîs
    Pronunciation: hice
    Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.