1 John 5:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} we receive {G2983} the witness {G3141} of men {G444}, the witness {G3141} of God {G2316} is {G2076} greater {G3187}: for {G3754} this {G3778} is {G2076} the witness {G3141} of God {G2316} which {G3739} he hath testified {G3140} of {G4012} his {G846} Son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If we accept human witness, God’s witness is stronger, because it is the witness which God has given about his Son.

Berean Standard Bible

Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.

American Standard Version

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for the witness of God is this, that he hath borne witness concerning his Son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 5:9 presents a profound theological truth: if humanity accepts the testimony of other human beings as valid, then the testimony of God Himself, particularly concerning His Son, Jesus Christ, is immeasurably more reliable and authoritative. This verse serves as a cornerstone for Christian faith, asserting that belief in Jesus is not founded on mere human opinion or tradition, but on the unwavering and superior declaration of the Almighty God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding section of 1 John, where the apostle is reinforcing the core tenets of Christian faith and assurance. Immediately preceding [1 John 5:9](/1_john/5-9 "1 John 5:9 - The Witness of God"), John has discussed the "three witnesses" on earth—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—which collectively testify to the reality and identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who came by water and blood ([1 John 5:6-8](/1_john/5-6-8 "1 John 5:6-8 - The Three Earthly Witnesses")). Verse 9 then elevates the discussion from these earthly witnesses to the ultimate, divine witness, contrasting it with human testimony and emphasizing its supreme authority. The subsequent verses continue to build on this theme, linking God's witness to the gift of eternal life found in His Son ([1 John 5:10-12](/1_john/5-10-12 "1 John 5:10-12 - Eternal Life in the Son")). The entire epistle aims to provide assurance to believers regarding their salvation and to counter Gnostic-like heresies that denied the true Incarnation of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the concept of "witness" (Greek: _martyria_) was deeply rooted in legal proceedings. Testimony was crucial for establishing truth and guilt or innocence in a court of law. People relied on credible witnesses to make judgments. John's audience would have understood the weight and importance of testimony. Furthermore, the early church was grappling with various false teachings, particularly proto-Gnostic doctrines that denied the full humanity or deity of Jesus. These false teachers often presented their own "witness" or interpretations, which contradicted apostolic teaching. John's emphasis on God's witness directly counters these human-derived, fallible claims, establishing an objective, divine standard of truth concerning Jesus' identity and saving work.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven into [1 John 5:9](/1_john/5-9 "1 John 5:9 - The Witness of God") include the **Superiority of God's Witness**, which asserts that divine testimony far surpasses any human declaration in truthfulness and authority. This highlights God's perfect veracity and infallibility, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith, unlike fallible human opinions. Another crucial theme is the **Centrality of God's Testimony about His Son**. The core of God's witness is His declaration concerning Jesus Christ, establishing Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God and validating His mission and atoning work. This divine affirmation is not merely theoretical but has been powerfully demonstrated, as seen in God's own voice at Jesus' baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")) and transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration at the Transfiguration")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Foundation for Faith and Assurance**. For believers, this divine witness provides a solid basis for conviction. Our faith in Jesus is not built on human speculation but on the unwavering testimony of God Himself, which brings profound assurance of salvation and eternal life, knowing that God's declaration about His Son is absolutely trustworthy ([1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of 1 John")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** This verb signifies "to take," "to get hold of," or "to accept." In the context of "receiving the witness of men," it implies an act of acknowledging, believing, or giving credence to human testimony. The use of this word sets up the comparison: if we are willing to accept human witness, how much more should we embrace God's witness.
* **witness (Greek, _martyría_):** Derived from _martys_ (witness), this noun refers to "evidence given," "testimony," or "proof." It carries a strong legal connotation, emphasizing a verifiable declaration. Its repeated use throughout the verse and surrounding passage underscores the foundational importance of reliable evidence for faith.
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn_):** This is the irregular comparative form of _megas_ (great). It denotes not merely a quantitative difference but a qualitative superiority. God's witness is not just "more" witness, but witness of an entirely different, higher order in terms of authority, reliability, and significance. It is supreme in every regard, providing absolute certainty where human testimony might falter or deceive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If we receive the witness of men,"**: This opening clause establishes a common ground for argument. It acknowledges the human practice of accepting testimony from other people in daily life, whether in legal matters, historical accounts, or personal relationships. The conditional "If" (Greek: _ei_) sets up a logical premise that leads to the subsequent, more profound conclusion.
* **"the witness of God is greater:"**: Here, the direct comparison is made. Given that human testimony is accepted, God's testimony is declared to be of a superior nature. The term "greater" (Greek: _meízōn_) signifies not just a quantitative difference but a qualitative supremacy in truth, authority, and reliability. God, by His very nature, cannot lie or be mistaken, making His witness perfectly trustworthy and ultimate.
* **"for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son."**: This final clause clarifies the specific content and object of God's supreme witness. The "this" refers directly to God's testimony concerning Jesus Christ. The verb "testified" (Greek: _martyréō_) reiterates the act of giving witness, emphasizing that God Himself has authoritatively declared the truth about His Son. This divine declaration concerning Jesus' identity, mission, and saving work is the ultimate foundation for Christian faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Comparison** and **Contrast**, setting the "witness of men" against the "witness of God" to highlight the latter's immeasurable superiority. This is further emphasized by the use of the comparative adjective "**greater**." Another key device is **Repetition**, with the word "witness" (or its verbal form "testified") appearing four times in this short verse. This repetition serves to underscore the central theme of testimony and its crucial role in establishing truth, particularly divine truth. The verse also functions as a powerful **Assertion** or **Declaration**, making a definitive statement about the nature and object of God's testimony, thereby providing an unshakeable foundation for the reader's faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 5:9 encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian theology: the ultimate source of truth is God Himself. It underscores the concept of divine revelation, asserting that God has not left humanity to grope in the dark but has actively and authoritatively testified concerning the most crucial reality—the identity and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This divine witness serves as the bedrock for all Christian doctrine, establishing the objective truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. It means our faith is not based on subjective feelings or human philosophies, but on the infallible declaration of the Creator of the universe. This truth provides profound assurance and stability for believers, knowing that their hope is grounded in God's own word.

* [John 3:33](/john/3-33 "John 3:33 - Receiving God's Witness")
* [John 5:31-39](/john/5-31-39 "John 5:31-39 - Jesus' Multiple Witnesses")
* [1 John 5:10-11](/1_john/5-10-11 "1 John 5:10-11 - God's Witness and Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with conflicting narratives, subjective truths, and a pervasive skepticism towards absolute claims, 1 John 5:9 offers a vital anchor. It calls us to critically evaluate the sources of our beliefs and to recognize the supreme authority of God's witness. For believers, this means intentionally grounding our faith not in fleeting human opinions, cultural trends, or even our own shifting emotions, but in the steadfast, unchangeable testimony of God concerning His Son. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of assurance and peace, knowing that our salvation and eternal hope are built upon the most reliable foundation imaginable. It also challenges us to share this divine truth with conviction, understanding that we are proclaiming not merely a human philosophy, but God's own declaration about the Savior of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "witness of men" do you find yourself tempted to trust more than God's witness in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding the "greater" nature of God's witness impact your assurance of salvation?**
* **In what practical ways can you more fully "receive" and live by God's testimony concerning His Son?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the witness of God is greater"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute superiority and reliability of God's testimony compared to any human testimony. While human witnesses can be fallible, mistaken, or even deceptive, God is perfectly truthful and infallible. His witness carries ultimate authority because He is the source of all truth, and His declarations are unchangeable and perfectly accurate. Therefore, when God testifies, especially concerning His Son, it is the most trustworthy and foundational truth available.

**How has God "testified of his Son"?**

Answer: God has testified of His Son in multiple ways throughout history. This includes direct audible declarations, such as at Jesus' baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")) and Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - God's Declaration at the Transfiguration")), where He proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God also testified through the miraculous works Jesus performed, which were empowered by the Father ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works as Witness")). Furthermore, the Old Testament Scriptures bear witness to Christ, as they point forward to His coming and work ([Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains Scriptures")). Ultimately, the entire life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are God's profound testimony to His Son's identity and saving mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 5:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and object of God's supreme witness. Jesus is not merely the subject of God's testimony; He is God's testimony made flesh. The Incarnation itself is God's profound declaration to humanity, revealing His nature and His plan of salvation in the most tangible way possible ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is presented as the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), perfectly reflecting the Father's character and will. His life, teachings, miracles, and especially His atoning death and glorious resurrection, are the irrefutable evidence of God's love and power, validating His identity as the Son of God ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, continues to bear witness to Christ in the hearts of believers, confirming the truth of God's testimony and empowering them to live in light of it ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness")). Thus, in Christ, God's witness is not just spoken, but lived, demonstrated, and eternally secured.

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 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.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

John 8:19

Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?