1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

And {G2532} this {G3778} is {G2076} the record {G3141}, that {G3754} God {G2316} hath given {G1325} to us {G2254} eternal {G166} life {G2222}, and {G2532} this {G3778} life {G2222} is {G2076} in {G1722} his {G846} Son {G5207}.

And this is the witness: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 John 5:11 (KJV)

1 John 5:11 (KJV): And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Context and Meaning:

The Apostle John is writing to believers, likely countering false teachings (proto-Gnosticism) that were undermining the truth about Jesus Christ and the assurance of salvation. In this chapter, John emphasizes the themes of faith, love, obedience, and the witness (or "record") that God has given concerning His Son.

Key Themes:

  • God's Testimony: The verse presents God's "record" or testimony (Greek: μαρτυρία - martyria) as the ultimate truth. God Himself testifies to the reality of eternal life.
  • The Gift of Eternal Life: Eternal life is not earned but is a gift freely given by God. It is not merely unending existence, but a quality of life characterized by a relationship with God.
  • Life Found in the Son: The crucial point is that this eternal life is uniquely found "in his Son," Jesus Christ. He is the source and embodiment of this life. This directly addresses any teaching that would try to find salvation or spiritual life apart from Jesus.

Linguistic Insight:

The word translated "record" (μαρτυρία - martyria) means testimony or witness. It's the same word used elsewhere for the witness of the Spirit, water, and blood (v. 8) and the witness of God about His Son (v. 9-10). It underscores the certainty and divine authority of this declaration about eternal life. The word for "life" (ζωή - zoe) in this context typically refers to spiritual, divine life, as opposed to mere physical existence.

Cross-References:

  • John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
  • 1 John 5:12 - He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (This verse directly follows and expands on verse 11).
  • Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Practical Application:

This verse provides immense assurance for believers. Our hope for eternal life is not based on our own efforts or feelings, but on the sure testimony of God Himself. It reminds us that Jesus Christ is indispensable for salvation and true spiritual life. To have life, we must have the Son.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 6:23 (27 votes)

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • 1 John 2:25 (24 votes)

    And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

  • John 3:36 (18 votes)

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • 1 John 5:20 (17 votes)

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • 1 John 4:9 (16 votes)

    In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

  • John 1:4 (15 votes)

    In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

  • 1 John 1:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;