John 20:30

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

And {G2532} many {G4183} other {G243} signs {G4592} truly {G3303}{G3767} did {G4160} Jesus {G2424} in the presence {G1799} of his {G846} disciples {G3101}, which {G3739} are {G2076} not {G3756} written {G1125} in {G1722} this {G5129} book {G975}:

In the presence of the talmidim Yeshua performed many other miracles which have not been recorded in this book.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.

Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book:

Context of John 20:30

This verse immediately precedes the explicit purpose statement of John's Gospel found in John 20:31. Following the resurrection appearances of Jesus to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and specifically Thomas, John concludes his main narrative by emphasizing that his account is not exhaustive. He has carefully selected a limited number of "signs" and teachings of Jesus to present, highlighting that there were many more unrecorded acts performed "in the presence of his disciples." This verse sets the stage for understanding the selective nature and divine inspiration behind the biblical record.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Abundance of Jesus's Works: John 20:30 underscores that Jesus performed countless miracles, healings, and teachings beyond what is written in the New Testament. The Gospels offer a divinely curated glimpse, not an exhaustive biography, of His earthly ministry.
  • Selectivity of Scripture: The Bible is not a complete record of every event but a divinely inspired selection of what is necessary for faith and salvation. The author, John, acknowledges this deliberate choice, reinforcing the idea that the written word serves a specific, profound purpose.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: The phrase "in the presence of his disciples" highlights the reliability and validity of the apostles' witness. While not everything was recorded, what was written came from those who personally observed Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
  • Sufficiency of the Written Word: Despite the vastness of unrecorded acts, the subsequent verse (John 20:31) clarifies that what is written is sufficient for people to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have eternal life through His name.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "signs," translated from the Greek word semeia (σημεῖα). In John's Gospel, these are more than just ordinary miracles; they are powerful acts that serve as indicators or proofs, pointing to Jesus's divine nature and identity. John carefully records seven such "signs" (e.g., the turning water into wine at Cana, the healing of the nobleman's son, feeding the five thousand, raising Lazarus), each designed to reveal a specific aspect of Jesus's glory and mission. The use of semeia emphasizes that Jesus's actions were not random displays of power but purposeful demonstrations meant to elicit faith.

Practical Application and Significance

John 20:30 reminds us that God's work in the world, and specifically through Jesus, is far vaster and more profound than what any book could fully contain. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Trust the Sufficiency of Scripture: While there's more to know about Jesus, the written Word provides all that is necessary for faith and salvation. We don't need additional revelations or accounts to come to a saving knowledge of Christ.
  • Appreciate God's Wisdom in Revelation: It highlights the divine wisdom in what God chose to reveal and what He chose to leave unwritten. The focus is always on the core message of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for humanity.
  • Focus on the Core Message: This verse, leading into John 20:31, directs our attention to the central purpose of the Gospel: that through believing in Jesus, we might have life in His name. It's a call to embrace the truth presented, rather than speculate on what isn't recorded. The Gospel of John concludes with a similar sentiment regarding the immensity of Jesus's deeds in John 21:25.

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 21:25

    And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

  • 1 John 5:13

    These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  • Luke 1:3

    It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

  • Luke 1:4

    That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15

    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

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