1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

He that believeth {G4100} on {G1519} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316} hath {G2192} the witness {G3141} in {G1722} himself {G1438}: he that believeth {G4100} not {G3361} God {G2316} hath made {G4160} him {G846} a liar {G5583}; because {G3754} he believeth {G4100} not {G3756}{G1519} the record {G3141} that {G3739} God {G2316} gave {G3140} of {G4012} his {G846} Son {G5207}.

Those who keep trusting in the Son of God have this witness in them. Those who do not keep trusting God have made him out to be a liar, because they have not trusted in the witness which God has given about his Son.

Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son.

Commentary on 1 John 5:10

The Apostle John, in 1 John 5:10, presents a stark contrast between those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and those who do not. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the preceding arguments in 1 John, particularly concerning the nature of faith and the undeniable testimony of God.

Context

This verse is found within the concluding chapter of John's first epistle, which emphasizes the assurance of salvation and the characteristics of true believers. The immediate context (1 John 5:6-9) focuses on the "witness" or "testimony" concerning Jesus Christ, specifically mentioning the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and culminating in the direct testimony of God the Father. Verse 10 builds directly upon this, stating the implications of accepting or rejecting this divine witness.

Key Themes

  • The Internal Witness of Faith: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." This refers to the profound, personal conviction and assurance that the Holy Spirit imparts to the believer. It is not merely intellectual agreement but a spiritual reality that brings certainty and peace, confirming their adoption as children of God. This internal assurance is a hallmark of genuine faith.
  • God's Unquestionable Testimony: The "record that God gave of his Son" encompasses all of God's revelation concerning Jesus Christ—His incarnation, life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. This divine testimony is absolute truth and forms the foundation of Christian belief. John consistently emphasizes the truth and reliability of God's word concerning His Son, as seen throughout his Gospel and epistles.
  • The Gravity of Unbelief: "He that believeth not God hath made him a liar." This is a severe indictment. To reject the divine testimony about Jesus is not merely to disagree with a theological point; it is to directly accuse the omniscient and truthful God of falsehood. This highlights the immense seriousness of unbelief in the eyes of God, as it impugns His very character and integrity.
  • The Centrality of Jesus as the Son of God: The entire passage hinges on the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. John's epistle repeatedly affirms this truth as essential for salvation and fellowship with God (see 1 John 4:15). Belief in His unique divine Sonship is the dividing line.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word in this verse is martyria (μαρτυρία), translated as both "witness" and "record." This dual translation is significant. On one hand, it refers to the objective "record" or testimony that God has given about His Son. On the other hand, for the believer, this truth becomes an internal "witness" or personal assurance within their spirit. The same word underscores both the external divine declaration and its internal reception by faith.

Practical Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. Our faith is not based on fleeting emotions or human speculation, but on the unshakeable testimony of God Himself, which is personally confirmed by the Holy Spirit within us (Romans 8:16). This should strengthen our confidence in our salvation and identity in Christ.

For those who struggle with doubt or are contemplating faith, this verse underscores the ultimate source of truth: God's own revelation. It challenges us to consider the profound implications of rejecting what God has clearly stated about His Son. To disbelieve is to reject God's truth, but to believe is to embrace His divine witness and receive eternal life (John 3:16).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:16

    The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

  • Galatians 4:6

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  • John 3:33

    He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

  • John 5:38

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

  • Numbers 23:19

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Hebrews 3:12

    Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

  • 1 John 5:1

    ¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

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