John 19:35

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

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}.

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.

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.

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.

John 19:35 serves as a powerful affirmation of the truthfulness and reliability of the Gospel of John, particularly concerning the events of Jesus' crucifixion. This verse immediately follows the description of a Roman soldier piercing Jesus' side, from which blood and water flowed, an event with significant theological implications.

Context

This verse is a direct interjection by the Apostle John, the author of this Gospel, who was an eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Having just recounted the piercing of Jesus' side (see John 19:34), John pauses to emphatically declare the veracity of his testimony. He was present at the foot of the cross, unlike many other disciples, and thus saw these events unfold firsthand. This personal endorsement of truth underscores the historical foundation of the Gospel narrative.

Key Themes

  • Eyewitness Testimony: The primary theme is the absolute reliability of John's account because it comes from an eyewitness. His presence at the scene lends undeniable credibility to the extraordinary events he describes. This emphasis on seeing and testifying is crucial for the Gospel's purpose.
  • Truth and Authenticity: John repeatedly affirms that his "record is true" and that "he knoweth that he saith true." This strong assertion counters any potential doubt about the miraculous and profound events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. It establishes the Gospel not merely as a theological treatise but as a historical document based on verifiable facts.
  • Purpose of Belief: The ultimate goal of John's meticulous recording and emphatic affirmation of truth is "that ye might believe." The entire Gospel is crafted to lead its readers to faith in Jesus as the Son of God and to find eternal life through Him. This echoes the broader purpose stated in John 20:31.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "bare record" is memartyrēken (μεμαρτύρηκεν), a perfect tense verb, indicating a testimony that was given and continues to stand true. The word for "knoweth" is oiden (οἶδεν), also a perfect tense, signifying a settled, certain knowledge based on direct observation and experience. These linguistic choices reinforce the enduring and undeniable nature of John's firsthand witness. The phrase "that ye might believe" uses the Greek word pisteuēte (πιστεύητε), a present subjunctive, which implies an ongoing, active faith as the desired outcome for the reader.

Significance and Application

John 19:35 is vital for understanding the nature of Christian faith. It highlights that faith is not blind but is grounded in historical events attested by reliable witnesses. For readers today, this verse provides assurance that the events of Christ's passion, which form the bedrock of Christian doctrine, are not myths but factual occurrences. It calls every reader to consider the evidence presented and to respond with belief in Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the promised Savior. The integrity of John's testimony invites us to place our trust in the one who gave His life for us, leading to the promise of eternal life for those who believe.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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