John 19:35

KJV

And he that saw [it] bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he that saw {G3708} it bare record {G3140}, and {G2532} his {G846} record {G3141} is {G2076} true {G228}: and he {G2548} knoweth {G1492} that {G3754} he saith {G3004} true {G227}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} might believe {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man who saw it has testified about it, and his testimony is true. And he knows that he tells the truth, so you too can trust.

Berean Standard Bible

The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.

American Standard Version

And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:35 serves as a crucial authorial interjection, where the Apostle John, an eyewitness to the crucifixion, emphatically affirms the veracity of his account, particularly the piercing of Jesus' side. This declaration is not merely a historical note but a profound theological statement, ensuring readers that the events surrounding Christ's death are factual and reliable, thereby providing a firm foundation for their belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profoundly significant event of a Roman soldier piercing Jesus' side with a spear, from which "blood and water" flowed ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side")). This physical detail is presented as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - They Will Look on Me Whom They Have Pierced") and [Exodus 12:46](/exodus/12-46 "Exodus 12:46 - Not a Bone Broken")). John's interjection in [John 19:35](/john/19-35 "John 19:35 - John's Eyewitness Testimony") underscores the unique importance he places on this specific detail, setting it apart with an explicit affirmation of its truthfulness. It functions as a direct appeal to the reader, validating the preceding narrative and preparing them for the subsequent accounts of Jesus' burial and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, eyewitness testimony was paramount for establishing the truth of an event, particularly in legal or historical accounts. John's explicit statement positions his Gospel not as a collection of myths or legends, but as a historically grounded narrative. Roman crucifixion was a brutal, public spectacle designed to deter rebellion, and the presence of onlookers, including family and disciples, was common. Jewish law, as found in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), required that bodies of the executed not remain on a tree overnight, which explains the Roman soldiers' actions to break the legs of the crucified to hasten death. John's personal presence at the foot of the cross, a detail he subtly highlights in [John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Commends Mary to John"), lends unparalleled authority to his testimony.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony**, establishing the historical reliability of the Gospel of John. The author, having "saw it," asserts his personal observation as the basis for his "record," making it an authoritative account. This emphasis on direct experience is a hallmark of apostolic witness, foundational to the early church's proclamation. Closely related is the theme of **Truth and Authenticity**, as John repeatedly affirms that his "record is true" and that he "knoweth that he saith true." This robust assertion serves to counter any potential skepticism, presenting the Gospel as a factual, divinely inspired narrative. Ultimately, all these elements converge on the overarching theme of **Purpose of Belief**. John's meticulous recording and emphatic validation are explicitly stated "that ye might believe," echoing the Gospel's broader aim to lead readers to saving faith in Jesus Christ, as explicitly stated in [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _horáō'_):** From G3708, this verb means to stare at, to discern clearly (physically or mentally), or to perceive. In the context of John 19:35, it emphasizes John's direct, personal, and clear observation of the events of the crucifixion, particularly the piercing of Jesus' side. It implies not just a casual glance but a focused, intentional witnessing.
* **bare record (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From G3140, this verb means to be a witness, to testify, or to give evidence. The perfect tense used here (memartyrēken) indicates a testimony that was given and continues to stand true, signifying its enduring validity and authority. John is not just reporting; he is bearing legal-grade witness to what he saw.
* **knoweth (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb, used in the perfect tense (oiden), signifies a settled, certain knowledge based on direct observation and experience. It conveys a deep, intuitive understanding and assurance, rather than merely intellectual assent. John's knowledge is not secondhand or speculative; it is a profound certainty rooted in his firsthand experience.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this verb means to have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; or to entrust, especially one's spiritual well-being. The subjunctive mood here (pisteuēte) indicates the purpose or desired outcome: John's testimony is given precisely so that readers might come to an ongoing, active, and trusting faith in Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that saw [it]":** This refers to the Apostle John himself, the author of this Gospel. The "it" refers specifically to the events of Jesus' crucifixion, particularly the piercing of His side and the outflow of blood and water, which John had just described in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side"). John's presence at the cross, unique among the male disciples, provides him with unparalleled authority as an eyewitness.
* **"bare record":** This signifies John's act of testifying or giving witness. The Greek verb (martyréō) carries a strong connotation of legal testimony, implying a solemn and truthful declaration of facts. John is not merely recounting; he is providing a verifiable account.
* **"and his record is true":** This is a direct, emphatic affirmation of the absolute veracity of John's testimony. The Greek word for "true" (alēthinós, G228) here denotes genuineness, reality, and conformity to fact. It underscores that John's account is not fabricated or embellished but is an accurate reflection of what transpired.
* **"and he knoweth that he saith true":** This clause further reinforces John's personal conviction and certainty. The Greek word for "true" (alēthḗs, G227) in this instance means "not concealing," emphasizing the transparency and honesty of his declaration. John is not just reporting facts; he is personally vouching for their authenticity, based on his own undeniable knowledge and experience.
* **"that ye might believe":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind John's emphatic interjection and indeed, the entire Gospel. The Greek conjunction (hína, G2443) indicates a purpose or result. John's aim in providing such a meticulously attested record is to invite and enable his readers to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, leading to eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
John 19:35 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Eyewitness Testimony**, where the author directly interjects to validate his own account, lending an unparalleled sense of authenticity and authority to the narrative. This is reinforced by **Assertion** and **Affirmation**, as John uses strong declarative statements ("his record is true," "he knoweth that he saith true") to underscore the factual basis of his Gospel. The inclusion of a **Purpose Clause** ("that ye might believe") functions as a rhetorical device, directly addressing the reader and revealing the evangelistic intent behind the meticulous historical reporting. This direct address creates a sense of urgency and personal invitation for the audience to respond in faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:35 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of biblical truth and the foundation of Christian faith. Theologically, it asserts that the Gospel message is not based on myths or fables, but on verifiable historical events witnessed by reliable individuals. This emphasis on the objective truth of Christ's passion, particularly the unique detail of blood and water from His side, connects to profound doctrines such as the reality of Christ's physical death, the atonement, and the New Covenant. The verse grounds faith in historical fact, inviting a reasoned belief rather than a blind leap. It affirms the divine inspiration and reliability of Scripture, as God uses human witnesses to convey His truth for the salvation of humanity.

* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - Eyewitness Testimony of the Apostles")
* [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Not Cleverly Devised Myths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:35 offers profound assurance and a direct challenge to every reader. In a world often skeptical of truth claims, this verse reminds us that the bedrock of our Christian faith is not subjective experience alone, but the objective, historically attested reality of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. John's unwavering certainty, rooted in his firsthand experience, invites us to trust the Gospel narrative as a faithful record of God's saving work. For us today, this means our faith is not a mere intellectual exercise or a cultural tradition, but a confident reliance on the Person and work of Jesus, whose story is true. It calls us to examine the evidence, to believe in the one whom John testified about, and to live out the implications of that belief. The ultimate goal remains the same: "that ye might believe," leading to a transformative relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John's personal eyewitness testimony strengthen your confidence in the historical reliability of the Gospels?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge modern skepticism about the truth claims of Christianity?**
* **Considering John's purpose "that ye might believe," what does it mean for you to truly believe in Jesus Christ today?**
* **How might you share the "true record" of Jesus with others in a way that invites them to believe?**

### FAQ
**Why does John interrupt his narrative to make this emphatic statement?**

Answer: John's interruption serves several crucial purposes. First, it highlights the immense theological significance of the preceding event—the piercing of Jesus' side and the outflow of blood and water ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side")). This detail was not merely a physical occurrence but fulfilled prophecy and carried deep symbolic meaning (e.g., the new covenant, cleansing, life). Second, it underscores the historical veracity of his account. By explicitly stating his eyewitness status and the truthfulness of his record, John counters potential skepticism and establishes the reliability of his Gospel as a foundation for faith. Third, it directly addresses the reader, inviting them to believe in the reality of Jesus' death and its implications, which is the overarching purpose of his entire Gospel ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")).

**What is the significance of John's repeated emphasis on "true" and "knoweth that he saith true"?**

Answer: The repetition emphasizes the absolute, undeniable authenticity and reliability of John's testimony. The Greek words used for "true" (alēthinós and alēthḗs) convey genuineness and transparency, asserting that his account is not fabricated or embellished. His statement "he knoweth that he saith true" further reinforces his personal, settled conviction based on direct observation. This strong affirmation serves to build trust in the reader, assuring them that the extraordinary events he describes are not myths but historical facts, providing a firm and trustworthy basis for their faith in Jesus. It also subtly distinguishes his account from potential false testimonies or rumors circulating at the time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:35, while a statement about the veracity of the Gospel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the Person and work of Jesus Himself. John's testimony about the historical reality of Christ's death, particularly the piercing of His side, points directly to the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "blood and water" that flowed from Jesus' side, attested by John, are often interpreted as symbolic of the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice and the life-giving Spirit, both flowing from His finished work on the cross. John's purpose in recording this truth—"that ye might believe"—is fully realized in the reader's faith in Jesus as the resurrected Lord and Savior. It is through believing in this historically attested Christ, who truly died and rose again, that one receives [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). Thus, John's faithful witness serves to reveal the true Christ, whose death and resurrection are the bedrock of our salvation and the very object of our faith. The truth of John's record is the truth of Christ's redemptive work, inviting all to come to Him and [find abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life").

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

John 21:24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

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?

John 15:27

And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

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;

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.