1 John 5:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:8 presents three earthly witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—that collectively and harmoniously testify to the true identity and saving work of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a foundational declaration, affirming the historical reality of Jesus' incarnation and atoning death, and the ongoing spiritual confirmation provided by the Holy Spirit, all converging to establish the certainty of Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial theological argument in 1 John 5, specifically verses 6-12, where John emphasizes the divine witness to Jesus Christ. The preceding verses establish the victory that overcomes the world through faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and the importance of loving God and keeping His commandments. Verse 6 introduces the concept of Jesus coming "by water and blood," directly addressing a nascent heresy (likely a form of Docetism or Cerinthianism) that sought to separate the divine Christ from the human Jesus, perhaps suggesting that the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at His baptism ("water") but departed before His crucifixion ("blood"). John emphatically counters this by stating that Jesus came "not by water only, but by water and blood," underscoring the indivisible reality of His full humanity and divinity throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His death. Verse 8 then builds upon this, listing the three earthly witnesses that corroborate this truth, leading into the profound declaration in verse 9 that if human testimony is accepted, God's testimony is even greater.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church faced significant challenges from various Gnostic-leaning heresies that denied the true humanity of Jesus. Docetism, for instance, taught that Jesus only *seemed* to have a human body, denying the reality of His suffering and death. Cerinthianism distinguished between Jesus, a mere man, and the Christ, a divine spirit that temporarily inhabited Him. John's epistle, written towards the end of the first century, directly confronts these false teachings by asserting the tangible, historical reality of Jesus' life and death. In Jewish legal tradition, the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). John employs this familiar legal framework to provide irrefutable evidence for the person and work of Christ, appealing to both historical events (water and blood) and the spiritual reality (the Spirit) to confirm the truth of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in 1 John 5:8 is the **truth and certainty of Jesus Christ's identity and saving work**. This verse reinforces the **reality of the Incarnation**, affirming that Jesus was truly God in human flesh, not a phantom or a temporary vessel for a divine spirit. It also highlights the **sufficiency of Christ's atonement**, emphasizing that His death on the cross (the "blood") was a real, redemptive act. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Holy Spirit's indispensable role in bearing witness** to Christ, both externally through divine revelation and internally within the hearts of believers, confirming the truth of who Jesus is (cf. [1 John 4:2](/1_john/4-2 "1 John 4:2 - Testing the Spirits")). The "water" and "blood" also connect to the **sacramental life of the church**, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, which are outward signs of the inward spiritual realities connected to Christ's life and death, and are empowered by the Spirit. Ultimately, the unity of these witnesses ("these three agree in one") speaks to the **coherence and divine orchestration of salvation history**, providing a firm foundation for faith in the Son of God, as further elaborated in [1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - The Witness of Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, meaning soil, by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. In this context, "in earth" signifies that these witnesses are tangible, historical realities experienced within the human realm, not merely abstract concepts. They are accessible and verifiable within the created order, providing concrete evidence for humanity.
* **bear witness (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From G3140, meaning to be a witness, to testify. This verb emphasizes the active, declarative function of the Spirit, water, and blood. They are not passive symbols but active testifiers, providing evidence and confirmation. The term connects to the concept of martyrdom, implying a strong, undeniable, and often costly affirmation of truth.
* **agree (Greek, _eisí'_):** From G1526, the 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "they are." In conjunction with "in one" (eis heis), it conveys a profound unity and convergence. While the KJV translates it as "agree," the underlying Greek suggests a deeper reality: "they are into the one" or "they exist for one purpose/truth." This is not merely a superficial agreement but a divinely ordained, unified testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there are three that bear witness in earth":** This opening clause sets the stage, introducing the concept of multiple, corroborating testimonies. The phrase "in earth" specifies the realm where these witnesses operate, indicating their historical, tangible, and experiential nature for humanity. It underlines that God's truth is not hidden but is revealed through accessible means within the world.
* **"the Spirit, and the water, and the blood":** These are the three distinct yet harmonized witnesses. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine third person of the Trinity, who convicts, illuminates, and indwells believers, confirming Christ's truth. The "water" is widely understood to signify Jesus' baptism, marking the public inauguration of His ministry and divine affirmation (cf. [Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")). The "blood" unequivocally points to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, the atoning work that redeems humanity from sin (cf. [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Water and Blood from Jesus' Side")). Together, they represent the key phases of Christ's earthly mission: His divine anointing, His public ministry, and His saving death.
* **"and these three agree in one":** This culminating phrase emphasizes the perfect unity and singular purpose of these diverse witnesses. They do not contradict or offer partial truths; rather, they converge to affirm one unified, comprehensive truth about Jesus Christ: His divine Sonship, His true humanity, and His redemptive work. The Greek literally means "they are into the one," highlighting a purposeful movement towards a single, undeniable conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
John employs **Parallelism** in listing the three witnesses ("the Spirit, and the water, and the blood"), creating a rhythmic and memorable enumeration that underscores their equal importance and distinct yet unified roles. The phrase "agree in one" utilizes **Conciseness** to convey a profound theological truth about the harmony of divine testimony. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a form of **Legal Testimony**, drawing on the established Jewish principle of multiple witnesses to validate a claim. By presenting three distinct "witnesses," John builds a compelling, irrefutable case for the true identity and saving work of Jesus, countering the false narratives of his day. The witnesses themselves are **Symbols** of deeper spiritual and historical realities: water for baptism/purity, blood for sacrifice/atonement, and Spirit for divine presence/truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 5:8 profoundly affirms the objective reality of Jesus Christ's incarnation and atonement, grounding Christian faith not in subjective experience alone but in historical events and divine testimony. The convergence of the Spirit, water, and blood provides a multi-faceted and irrefutable witness to Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh to accomplish salvation. This verse underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan, where historical acts (baptism, crucifixion) are divinely attested by the Holy Spirit, ensuring the certainty of the Gospel message. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of salvation, involving both the public declaration of Christ's identity and the atoning work of His sacrifice, all confirmed by the Spirit's ongoing ministry.

* [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth as Witness")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ and the Eternal Spirit")
* [Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Bearing Witness to Our Sonship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 John 5:8 offers immense assurance and a solid foundation for faith. In a world often skeptical of truth claims and prone to subjective interpretations, this verse reminds us that our belief in Jesus Christ is rooted in divinely orchestrated, verifiable realities. The historical events of Jesus' baptism and crucifixion (the water and the blood) are not mere legends but concrete acts attested by God Himself through His Spirit. This should bolster our confidence in the Gospel, enabling us to stand firm against doubt and false teachings. Furthermore, the ongoing witness of the Holy Spirit within our hearts confirms our adoption as children of God and empowers us to live out the truth of Christ. We are called to embody this unified testimony in our lives, allowing the Spirit to work through us as we bear witness to the saving power of the water (baptism into new life) and the blood (redemption through Christ's sacrifice). Our lives, transformed by the Spirit, become a living testament to the reality of Jesus Christ, echoing the harmonious witness of the Spirit, the water, and the blood.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unified testimony of the Spirit, the water, and the blood strengthen your personal faith in Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways do you experience the Holy Spirit bearing witness to Christ's truth in your own life today?**
* **How can understanding these "earthly witnesses" equip you to share the Gospel more confidently with others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater alignment with the truth that Jesus came "not by water only, but by water and blood"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the water" and "the blood" in this verse?**

Answer: "The water" is widely understood to refer to Jesus' baptism, which marked the inauguration of His public ministry and was accompanied by a divine affirmation of His Sonship ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")). It signifies His identification with humanity and the beginning of His messianic work. "The blood" refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of atonement for the sins of humanity ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Water and Blood from Jesus' Side")). Together, they emphasize the full reality of Jesus' humanity and the efficacy of His redemptive work, countering false teachings that denied His physical reality or the saving power of His death. They confirm that Jesus was truly man and truly died for our sins.

**How does the Holy Spirit "bear witness" to Christ?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit bears witness to Christ in multiple ways. Externally, the Spirit inspired the biblical writers to record the truth about Jesus, making the scriptures a reliable testimony ([2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from the Spirit")). Internally, the Spirit convicts individuals of sin and righteousness, drawing them to Christ ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts")). He also indwells believers, confirming their adoption as children of God ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit's Witness to Our Adoption")) and empowering them to confess Jesus as Lord ([1 Corinthians 12:3](/1_corinthians/12-3 "1 Corinthians 12:3 - No One Can Say Jesus is Lord Except by the Holy Spirit")). The Spirit's witness is ongoing, powerful, and essential for understanding and embracing the truth of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive reality of Jesus' person and work, providing an undeniable testimony to His identity as the Son of God. The "water" points to His baptism, where the Father's voice declared Him as His beloved Son ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")), inaugurating His public ministry, which was characterized by purity and truth, foreshadowing the cleansing power of His sacrifice. The "blood" unequivocally signifies His atoning death on the cross, the ultimate act of love and obedience that secured salvation for humanity. This is the very core of the Gospel, where Christ's shed blood cleanses from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Jesus' Blood")) and establishes a new covenant ([Hebrews 9:14-15](/hebrews/9-14-15 "Hebrews 9:14-15 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Finally, the "Spirit" is the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send after His ascension ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Promise of the Helper")), and who now continually bears witness to Jesus' deity, resurrection, and ongoing reign. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts")), empowers believers to proclaim Christ ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), and indwells them as a guarantee of their eternal inheritance in Christ ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, these three earthly witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—converge perfectly to present a unified, irrefutable testimony to Jesus Christ as the divine Son, the atoning sacrifice, and the living Lord, through whom all who believe receive eternal life ([1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - Eternal Life in the 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

1 John 5:6

¶ 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.

1 John 5:7

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

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:2

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Romans 8:16

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