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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:11 presents the core of God's divine testimony to humanity: He has graciously bestowed eternal life, and this life is inextricably linked to and found solely within His Son, Jesus Christ. This declaration serves as a foundational assurance for believers, emphasizing that salvation and true spiritual existence are not earned but are a gift received through faith in Christ, who is the very embodiment and source of this divine life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the concluding section of 1 John, where the Apostle John consolidates his arguments regarding the assurance of salvation and the nature of true Christian faith. Immediately preceding [1 John 5:11](/1_john/5-11 "1 John 5:11 - The Testimony of Eternal Life"), John has discussed the "witness" or "testimony" of God concerning His Son. [1 John 5:9](/1_john/5-9 "1 John 5:9 - God's Greater Witness") states, "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." This sets the stage for verse 11, identifying the content of that divine testimony. Following [1 John 5:11](/1_john/5-11 "1 John 5:11 - The Testimony of Eternal Life"), [1 John 5:12](/1_john/5-12 "1 John 5:12 - He Who Has the Son Has Life") directly expands upon it, declaring, "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." This immediate literary context highlights the centrality of God's witness and the absolute necessity of having the Son for possessing eternal life, serving as a powerful summary of John's overarching message in the epistle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's first epistle was written in a period when early Christian communities were grappling with nascent heresies, particularly forms of Gnosticism or proto-Gnosticism. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Christ (Docetism), separated the "Christ-spirit" from the man Jesus, or claimed a special, secret knowledge (gnosis) was necessary for salvation, rather than faith in Christ's atoning work. John's emphasis on the "record" or "testimony" of God, and the tangible reality of Jesus Christ (as seen in [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - That Which We Have Seen")), directly counters these abstract or dualistic views. The concept of "witness" or "testimony" (Greek: _martyría_) was crucial in both Jewish and Roman legal contexts, where reliable witness accounts were essential for establishing truth. John appropriates this concept to underscore the undeniable, divinely authoritative nature of God's declaration about His Son and the life found in Him.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes woven throughout 1 John. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Assurance of Salvation**, providing a clear statement that believers can know they possess eternal life because God Himself has testified to it. Secondly, it highlights the **Person and Work of Jesus Christ**, emphasizing His unique role as the sole conduit and embodiment of eternal life, directly refuting any notion that life could be found apart from Him. This aligns with John's consistent portrayal of Jesus as the [Son of God](/1_john/4-15 "1 John 4:15 - Confessing Jesus as the Son of God") and the [Savior of the world](/1_john/4-14 "1 John 4:14 - The Father Sent the Son"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **God's Initiative and Grace**, presenting eternal life not as something earned by human effort or knowledge, but as a gracious "gift" from God. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that salvation is [by grace through faith](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Record (Greek, _martyría'_):** This term signifies a "testimony," "witness," or "evidence." In the context of 1 John, it carries strong legal connotations, implying a declaration that is authoritative, reliable, and verifiable. It's the divine attestation, the ultimate truth spoken by God Himself, concerning His Son and the life He offers. This is not a mere opinion but a definitive, unshakeable declaration.
* **Eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** Derived from _aiṓn_ (age), this adjective describes something pertaining to an age or ages, often implying duration without end. However, in theological contexts, especially with "life," it denotes not just endless quantity but also a specific quality – the very life of God, characterized by His nature, holiness, and fellowship. It is a life that transcends temporal limitations and participates in the divine realm, beginning now and extending infinitely.
* **Life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** This word refers to life in its fullest, most profound sense, particularly spiritual and divine life, as opposed to mere biological existence (_bios_) or the soul's animating principle (_psychē_). It is the abundant, vibrant, and true life that originates from God and is uniquely found in Christ. It encompasses spiritual vitality, fellowship with God, and the promise of resurrection and unending communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the record":** This phrase introduces the divine testimony that John is about to present. The "this" points forward to the content of the record, emphasizing its profound importance and divine origin. It is God's own authoritative witness, a declaration of truth that stands above all human opinions or false teachings.
* **"that God hath given to us eternal life":** This clause reveals the first part of God's testimony: the gracious bestowal of eternal life. The verb "hath given" (from _dídōmi_) highlights that this life is a free, unmerited gift from God, not something earned or achieved. It underscores God's initiative and generosity, providing a quality of life that is both unending in duration and divine in nature. The "us" refers to believers, those who have received God's Son.
* **"and this life is in his Son":** This second part of the testimony specifies the location and source of this eternal life. It is not a general, abstract concept, nor is it found through mystical experiences or human works. Rather, it is concretely and exclusively "in his Son," Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the indispensable role of Christ as the unique mediator and embodiment of divine life, making Him the sole means by which humanity can access this gift.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Emphasis** is evident through the repetition of "life" and the clear declaration of God's "record," underscoring the certainty and importance of the message. The structure itself, presenting a divine **Testimony** (the "record"), lends an authoritative and legal weight to the statement, as if God Himself is on the witness stand, declaring an undeniable truth. The phrase "in his Son" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "Son" stands for the entire person and work of Jesus Christ, implying that the life is found not merely *with* Him but *within* Him, as His very essence and being. This also creates a strong **Contrast** with any false teachings that might suggest alternative paths to life or salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the essence of the New Covenant, establishing eternal life as a divine gift rooted in God's sovereign will and mediated exclusively through His Son. It affirms God's character as a generous Giver and highlights the absolute necessity of Jesus Christ for salvation and true spiritual existence. The "record" is God's ultimate witness, providing an unshakeable foundation for the believer's assurance, demonstrating that our hope is not based on fleeting human experience or merit, but on the immutable truth of God's own declaration. This truth dispels doubt and provides a firm anchor for faith, emphasizing that the life we receive is not merely quantitative (endless) but qualitative (divine), beginning in the present and extending into eternity through our union with Christ.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [1 John 5:12](/1_john/5-12 "1 John 5:12 - He Who Has the Son Has Life")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:11 offers profound comfort and clarity to believers. It grounds our assurance of eternal life not in our feelings, performance, or religious rituals, but in the unwavering "record" of God Himself. This means our salvation is as secure as God's own testimony, which is perfect and true. The verse calls us to continually fix our gaze on Jesus Christ, for He is the sole conduit of this divine life. If we possess Christ, we possess life; if we do not possess Christ, we do not possess life. This truth should inspire deep gratitude for God's gracious gift and a renewed commitment to living in union with His Son. It also serves as a powerful evangelistic message, clearly articulating the source of true life for those who are seeking it. Our mission, therefore, is to share this "record" with a world desperately in need of the life found only in Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding eternal life as a "gift" from God, rather than something earned, impact your sense of assurance and gratitude?**
* **In what ways does knowing that "this life is in his Son" shape your understanding of your relationship with Jesus Christ?**
* **Given that God Himself provides this "record," how does this truth empower you to share the gospel with confidence?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully in the reality of the eternal life you have in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "the record" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In [1 John 5:11](/1_john/5-11 "1 John 5:11 - The Testimony of Eternal Life"), "the record" (Greek: _martyría_) refers to God's authoritative testimony or witness. It's His divine declaration, a truth He Himself has attested to, concerning the reality of eternal life and its exclusive location in His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not merely a suggestion or an opinion, but a firm, reliable statement from the ultimate source of truth. John emphasizes this divine witness throughout [1 John 5](/1_john/5 "1 John 5 - The Witness to God's Son"), particularly in [1 John 5:9](/1_john/5-9 "1 John 5:9 - God's Greater Witness"), where he states that God's witness is greater than any human witness.

**Is "eternal life" just about living forever, or is there more to it?**

Answer: While "eternal life" certainly includes the aspect of unending existence, especially in the presence of God, it encompasses much more than mere duration. The Greek word for "eternal" (_aiṓnios_) often implies a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and transcends the limitations of time. It is the very life of God Himself, characterized by fellowship with Him, spiritual vitality, and participation in His nature. As Jesus stated in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - This is Eternal Life"), "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Thus, eternal life is a present reality for believers, a deep, abiding relationship with God through Christ that begins now and continues forever.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:11 powerfully encapsulates the Christ-centered nature of salvation and the Christian life. Jesus Christ is not merely a path to eternal life; He *is* eternal life. This verse reverberates with the themes found throughout John's writings, where Jesus is consistently presented as the embodiment of divine life. In [John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him Was Life"), we read, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." Later, Jesus Himself declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The "record" of God, that He has given us eternal life *in His Son*, points directly to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise of life to humanity, a promise tragically lost in the fall but gloriously restored through His atoning work. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the living source of this eternal life, making it accessible to all who believe. Our union with Christ, therefore, is not just a theological concept but the very means by which we participate in the divine life, a life that is both a present reality and a future hope, secured by the unshakeable testimony of God Himself concerning His beloved Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 6:23

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

1 John 2:25

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

John 3:36

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

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

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

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

1 John 1:1

¶ 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;