1 John 5:7

KJV

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} there are {G1526} three {G5140} that bear record {G3140} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, the Father {G3962}, the Word {G3056}, and {G2532} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}: and {G2532} these {G3778} three {G5140} are {G1526} one {G1520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There are three witnesses —

Berean Standard Bible

For there are three that testify:

American Standard Version

And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:7, as found in the King James Version, asserts the divine unity of three heavenly witnesses: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, declaring that "these three are one." This verse, known as the *Comma Johanneum*, articulates a profound theological truth regarding the triune nature of God, presenting a unified testimony from the Godhead concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His coming by water and blood, and the Spirit's corroborating witness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First John 5:7 is situated within a crucial section of John's first epistle (1 John 5:6-12) that focuses on the divine witness to Jesus Christ. Immediately preceding this verse, 1 John 5:6 states, "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." The subsequent verse, 1 John 5:8, continues, "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." The passage as a whole emphasizes the multiple, corroborating testimonies—both earthly and, in the KJV's rendering of verse 7, heavenly—to the reality of Jesus as the Son of God, who offers eternal life. John's overarching purpose in this epistle is to assure believers of their salvation and to combat false teachings, particularly Gnostic denials of Christ's full humanity and divinity. The concept of witness is central to establishing the truth of the Gospel message and the identity of Christ, providing a firm foundation for the believer's faith, as highlighted throughout [1 John](/1_john/1 "First John - Assurance of Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context of 1 John 5:7 is dominated by its unique textual history. This verse, often referred to as the *Comma Johanneum* (Latin for "Johannine clause"), is widely recognized by modern textual critics as a later scribal addition and is absent from the vast majority of early and reliable Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Its earliest appearance in Greek manuscripts dates to the 15th and 16th centuries, primarily influenced by its presence in the Latin Vulgate. It likely originated as a marginal theological commentary in Latin manuscripts, perhaps as early as the 4th century, which was then incorporated into the main text by later copyists. The inclusion of the *Comma Johanneum* in the King James Version stems from its presence in the Textus Receptus, the Greek text primarily used by Erasmus for his New Testament edition, which was based on a limited number of late manuscripts. While the verse itself does not reflect the earliest textual tradition, the theological concept it expresses—the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—was a foundational doctrine of the early church, affirmed through other undisputed biblical passages, particularly in response to various heresies that challenged the nature of Christ or the Trinity.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, despite its textual complexities, contributes to several significant themes within 1 John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Witness**, emphasizing that the truth of Jesus Christ is not based on human testimony alone but is powerfully affirmed by God Himself. This resonates with John's Gospel, where Jesus frequently refers to the Father's witness and the Spirit's testimony (e.g., [John 5:31-37](/john/5-31-37 "John 5:31-37 - Jesus' Witness and the Father's Testimony")). Secondly, it articulates the **Unity of God** within the Godhead, even while distinguishing the persons of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. This concept of divine unity, where distinct persons share a singular divine essence, is a cornerstone of Trinitarian theology, echoing Jesus' declaration in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One") that "I and my Father are one." Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Assurance of Salvation**, as the unified testimony of the Godhead provides an unshakeable foundation for the believer's faith and the certainty of eternal life received through Christ, as promised in [1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - The Witness of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** This term (G3056) is highly significant, especially in Johannine literature. While it can mean "something said," "reasoning," or "a topic," in the context of John's writings, particularly with the definite article, it specifically refers to the Divine Expression, which is Christ Himself. In [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God"), "the Word" is identified as being with God and being God, and in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became Flesh"), the Word "was made flesh, and dwelt among us." Here, "the Word" unequivocally points to Jesus Christ as the second person of the Trinity, the divine Son, through whom God reveals Himself.
* **bear record (Greek, _martyréō'_):** This verb (G3140) means "to be a witness" or "to testify." It implies giving evidence or providing a truthful account. In this verse, it emphasizes that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost are not merely passive entities but active participants in providing a verifiable, authoritative testimony. This concept of divine witness is crucial throughout 1 John, underscoring the reliability and truthfulness of the Gospel message concerning Jesus Christ.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** This primary numeral (G1520) signifies "one" in number. In the context of 1 John 5:7, when applied to the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, it asserts their essential unity, not in terms of being a single person, but in terms of shared divine nature, purpose, and will. This aligns with the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, where three distinct persons share one divine essence. The "one" here speaks to their singular divine identity and their unified testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there are three that bear record in heaven":** This clause introduces the concept of a divine, heavenly testimony. It sets the stage for identifying the specific witnesses and highlights the ultimate source and authority of the truth being presented. The phrase "in heaven" emphasizes the transcendent and unimpeachable nature of this witness, contrasting implicitly with the earthly witnesses mentioned in the subsequent verse (1 John 5:8). It asserts that the highest authority—God Himself—is testifying.
* **"the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost":** This part explicitly names the three heavenly witnesses. "The Father" refers to God the Father, the first person of the Trinity. "The Word" (Greek: _ho Lógos_) is a specific title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and His role as the ultimate revelation of God. "The Holy Ghost" (Greek: _to Hagion Pneûma_) refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers and testifies to Christ. The listing of these three distinct persons, each with their unique role, points to the complexity and richness of God's triune being.
* **"and these three are one":** This concluding phrase is the theological climax of the verse. It declares the essential unity of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. This "one" (Greek: _heîs_, masculine singular) does not imply a single person, but rather a unity of essence, purpose, and will. They are distinct persons, yet they share the same divine nature, working in perfect harmony. This statement, despite its textual history, profoundly articulates the core Trinitarian doctrine of co-equality and co-eternity within the Godhead.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, as it stands in the KJV, employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost as active agents who "bear record" or "testify." While these are divine persons, the act of bearing witness is a human-like action attributed to them, making their testimony relatable and impactful. The phrase "in heaven" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate source of truth and authority, contrasting with earthly testimonies and elevating the divine witness to an unassailable level. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a **Triadic Structure** by explicitly listing three distinct entities—Father, Word, and Holy Ghost—and then immediately asserting their unity. This structural pattern effectively presents the Trinitarian concept, emphasizing both the distinctness of the persons and their essential oneness. The declaration "these three are one" serves as a powerful **Affirmation**, succinctly stating a foundational theological truth about the nature of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Although 1 John 5:7 (the *Comma Johanneum*) is not found in the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, the theological truth it expresses—the unity of the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, abundantly supported elsewhere in Scripture. This verse, therefore, serves as a concise articulation of the Trinitarian nature of God, affirming that while there are three distinct persons within the Godhead, they share one divine essence, working in perfect unity and harmony. This unity is crucial for understanding God's consistent plan of salvation, where the Father sends the Son, the Son accomplishes redemption, and the Spirit applies that redemption to believers, all bearing a unified witness to the truth of the Gospel. The divine witness is thus not fragmented but a singular, powerful testimony from the one true God.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission and the Trinity")
* [2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Apostolic Benediction")
* [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 5:7, despite its complex textual history, invites us to ponder the profound mystery and beauty of the triune God. The assertion that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost are "one" reminds us that God is not a solitary, undifferentiated being, but a dynamic community of persons in perfect relationship. This truth has deep implications for our faith: it informs our worship, as we direct praise to the Father through the Son by the Spirit; it shapes our understanding of prayer, as we approach the Father in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit; and it illuminates the nature of Christian community, reflecting the unity and diversity within the Godhead. Understanding God as triune deepens our appreciation for the multifaceted ways He interacts with humanity, from creation to redemption to sanctification. It assures us that the divine witness to Jesus Christ is complete, unified, and utterly trustworthy, providing a firm foundation for our hope and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God as Father, Word (Son), and Holy Ghost, yet "one," deepen your understanding of God's character and nature?**
* **In what ways does the unified "record" or "witness" of the Godhead strengthen your assurance of salvation and the truth of the Gospel?**
* **How might understanding the distinct yet unified roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit impact your personal prayer life and worship?**
* **When encountering biblical passages with textual complexities, how can believers maintain a robust faith while engaging with scholarly insights?**

### FAQ
**Is 1 John 5:7, as found in the King James Version, present in all ancient biblical manuscripts?**

Answer: No. The phrase "in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one" (often called the *Comma Johanneum*) is absent from the vast majority of early and most reliable Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Textual critics widely consider it a later scribal addition, not part of the original inspired text.

**If it's not in the earliest manuscripts, why is it included in the King James Version and some other translations?**

Answer: The King James Version (KJV) and translations based on the Textus Receptus (like the New King James Version) include this phrase because the Textus Receptus, compiled by Erasmus in the 16th century, relied on a limited number of late Greek manuscripts. These particular manuscripts had been influenced by the Latin Vulgate, where the *Comma Johanneum* had been incorporated as early as the 4th century, likely originating as a marginal gloss or commentary that eventually made its way into the main text.

**Does the textual status of 1 John 5:7 undermine the doctrine of the Trinity?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While 1 John 5:7 is textually disputed, the doctrine of the Trinity—that God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one divine essence—is a fundamental truth of Christianity, extensively supported by numerous other undisputed passages throughout the Old and New Testaments. For example, the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission and the Trinity") commands baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Similarly, the apostolic benediction in [2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Apostolic Benediction") invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself declared, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")" (John 10:30). These and many other verses firmly establish the Trinitarian nature of God, independent of 1 John 5:7.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though textually disputed, 1 John 5:7, in its KJV rendering, beautifully articulates a Christ-centered truth about the unified work of the Godhead in salvation. The "Word" is unequivocally Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, through whom all things were created and through whom God reveals Himself (cf. [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Incarnate")). The verse implies that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit bear a singular, unified testimony concerning Christ's identity and mission, particularly His coming "by water and blood" (1 John 5:6), signifying His baptism and atoning death. This divine unity ensures the absolute truth and reliability of the Gospel message centered on Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" (John 14:6), demonstrating His unique role as the mediator. The Father testifies to the Son (e.g., [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")), and the Holy Spirit testifies of Christ (e.g., [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the verse, even as a later addition, captures the profound reality that the entire Godhead is united in glorifying Christ and accomplishing redemption through Him, ensuring that all who believe in the name of the Son of God have eternal life (cf. [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of 1 John")).

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

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

Acts 5:32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Matthew 3:16

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.