John 20:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} these {G5023} are written {G1125}, that {G2443} ye might believe {G4100} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} is {G2076} the Christ {G5547}, the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}; and {G2532} that {G2443} believing {G4100} ye might have {G2192} life {G2222} through {G1722} his {G846} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But these which have been recorded are here so that you may trust that Yeshua is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by this trust you may have life because of who he is.

Berean Standard Bible

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

American Standard Version

but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:31 serves as the climactic and explicit purpose statement for the entire Gospel of John, articulating the evangelistic and theological intentions behind its composition. It reveals that the selected accounts of Jesus' signs, teachings, and resurrection were meticulously recorded to lead readers to a profound belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah and the divine Son of God, thereby enabling them to receive and experience eternal life through His name. This verse encapsulates the Gospel's core message: faith in Jesus' true identity is the pathway to spiritual vitality and an enduring relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the epilogue of John's Gospel in [Chapter 21](/john/21 "John 21 - The Epilogue"), effectively concluding the main narrative and providing the author's explicit rationale for the preceding twenty chapters. John 20 itself culminates a series of powerful resurrection appearances, including those to Mary Magdalene ([John 20:11-18](/john/20-11-18 "John 20:11-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene")), the disciples ([John 20:19-23](/john/20-19-23 "John 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples")), and notably, the initially skeptical Thomas ([John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "John 20:24-29 - Jesus Appears to Thomas")). The preceding verse, [John 20:30](/john/20-30 "John 20:30 - John's Selective Writing"), states that Jesus performed "many other signs" not recorded, underscoring that the Gospel is not an exhaustive biography but a carefully curated theological testimony designed to achieve a specific spiritual outcome in the reader.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Gospel of John was likely written towards the end of the first century AD, a period when the early Christian church was solidifying its identity, facing internal challenges, and engaging with both Jewish and Hellenistic thought. For Jewish readers, the declaration of Jesus as "the Christ" directly addressed the long-held messianic expectations, asserting His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. For a broader audience, including those from a Hellenistic background, the emphasis on Jesus as "the Son of God" would have resonated with philosophical discussions about divine beings while simultaneously challenging pagan polytheism by presenting a unique, incarnate deity. The concept of "life" (Greek: *zōē*) was a profound philosophical and theological concern in the ancient world, and John's presentation of it as a gift through Jesus offered a distinct and compelling spiritual alternative to prevailing beliefs.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:31 powerfully articulates several pervasive themes found throughout the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights **the Purpose of the Written Word**, emphasizing that the Gospel is not merely an historical record but a divinely inspired text intended to evoke faith and transformation. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - The Profitability of Scripture")). Secondly, the verse underscores **the Core Identity of Jesus**, presenting Him with two foundational titles: "the Christ" (the Messiah) and "the Son of God." These titles are central to John's Christology, established from the very beginning of the Gospel where Jesus is introduced as the divine Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) and affirmed throughout His ministry. Finally, the verse reveals **the Promise of Life Through Belief**, asserting that the ultimate outcome of believing in Jesus' identity is "life through his name." This "life" (*zōē*) is consistently portrayed in John as eternal life, a quality of existence characterized by intimate knowledge of God ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")) and abundant spiritual vitality, a concept famously articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "grave" or "write," and figuratively, to describe. In [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel"), it emphasizes the deliberate and intentional act of recording specific events and teachings. The author's choice to commit these accounts to writing indicates a purposeful act of preservation and transmission, ensuring that the message of Jesus could reach a wide audience across generations, serving as a permanent testimony.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from *pístis* (faith), this verb means to have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; or by implication, to entrust, especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ. This is not merely intellectual assent to facts but a profound, active trust and reliance that leads to a transformative commitment. The Gospel aims to elicit a faith that reorients one's life around Jesus' identity and claims.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** This term refers to life in its fullest sense, distinct from mere biological existence (*bios*) or the soul (*psychē*). It denotes spiritual, eternal life, a quality of existence that originates from God and is characterized by a relationship with Him. In [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel"), it represents the ultimate benefit of faith in Jesus, signifying not just a future state but a present reality of spiritual vitality, purpose, and communion with the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But these are written":** This opening clause, introduced by the adversative particle "But" (G1161, *dé*), clearly distinguishes the content of the Gospel from the "many other signs" mentioned in [John 20:30](/john/20-30 "John 20:30 - John's Selective Writing"). It highlights the deliberate selection and recording of specific events concerning Jesus, emphasizing the author's intentionality and purpose behind the narrative. The passive voice "are written" suggests a divine inspiration or guidance behind the human act of writing, underscoring the authority and significance of the text.
* **"that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God":** This is the primary purpose clause, revealing the twofold object of the Gospel's composition. Firstly, it aims to foster belief in "Jesus" (G2424, *Iēsoûs*), the historical person. Secondly, it specifies the content of this belief: that Jesus is "the Christ" (G5547, *Christós*), the long-awaited Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and "the Son of God" (G5207, *huiós* G2316, *theós*), affirming His unique divine nature and relationship with the Father. This declaration of Jesus' dual identity—both human and divine, fulfilling prophecy and embodying deity—is foundational to Christian faith.
* **"and that believing ye might have life through his name":** This second purpose clause outlines the ultimate outcome and benefit of such belief. The repetition of "believing" (G4100, *pisteúō*) underscores the ongoing nature of faith as the condition for receiving this benefit. The promised result is "life" (G2222, *zōḗ*), specifically eternal life, a spiritual quality of existence. This life is accessed "through his name" (G1722, *en* G846, *autós* G3686, *ónoma*), signifying that it is by virtue of Jesus' authority, character, person, and redemptive work that this life is granted. His name encapsulates all that He is and all that He has accomplished.

#### Literary Devices
John 20:31 functions preeminently as a **Purpose Statement**, explicitly declaring the author's intention for writing the Gospel. This direct address to the reader transforms the text from a mere historical account into a deliberate evangelistic tool. The verse also serves as a **Theological Declaration**, succinctly summarizing the core tenets of Christian faith regarding Jesus' identity as both the **Messiah** ("the Christ") and the **Divine Son** ("the Son of God"). This dual title is a powerful **Christological Affirmation**, presenting a comprehensive understanding of who Jesus is. Furthermore, the verse employs **Climax**, as it brings the main narrative of the Gospel to a definitive conclusion with a clear call to action and a promise of profound spiritual benefit, acting as a final, urgent appeal to the reader's heart and mind. The structure of the verse, moving from the act of writing to the object of belief and finally to the resulting life, demonstrates a logical and persuasive **Argumentative Progression** designed to lead the reader to a saving faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:31 is a cornerstone verse, encapsulating the very essence of the Gospel's message and connecting deeply with broader biblical theology. It affirms the divine inspiration and purpose of Scripture, emphasizing that God's Word is not just for information but for transformation, designed to reveal the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration of Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God" is the central theological truth upon which all Christian doctrine rests, establishing His unique authority and redemptive power. The promise of "life through his name" highlights the New Testament's consistent emphasis on salvation as a gift received through faith in Jesus, leading to a new quality of existence that transcends the temporal and is rooted in an eternal relationship with God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate goal of God's revelation is to bring humanity into life-giving communion with Him through His Son.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")
* [1 John 5:13](/1_john/5-13 "1 John 5:13 - Purpose of Writing for Assurance")
* [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 20:31 offers a profound invitation and a clear directive for every reader. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual curiosity about Jesus to a genuine, transformative faith. The Gospel of John, and indeed all Scripture, is not a collection of ancient stories but a living testimony intended to elicit a personal response. We are called to examine the evidence presented—the signs, the teachings, the resurrection—and to conclude, as John intended, that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Anointed One, and the very Son of God. This belief is not a passive acceptance but an active trust that leads to a radical reorientation of our lives. The promise of "life through his name" signifies that through our connection to Jesus, we receive not just forgiveness of sins, but a vibrant, eternal spiritual existence that begins now and extends into eternity. This life is characterized by purpose, peace, and an intimate relationship with God, available to all who believe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does reading the Gospel of John (or other biblical texts) challenge or deepen your understanding of who Jesus is?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" in a practical, daily sense?**
* **How do you experience "life through his name" in your current circumstances, and how might you more fully embrace this spiritual vitality?**
* **Considering John's explicit purpose, how might you share the message of Jesus with others in a way that invites them to believe and find life?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary purpose of the Gospel of John, according to this verse?**

Answer: According to [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel"), the primary purpose of the Gospel of John is twofold: first, "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," meaning to lead readers to a saving faith in Jesus' true identity as the promised Messiah and divine Son; and second, "that believing ye might have life through his name," indicating that this faith results in the reception of eternal life, a spiritual quality of existence that comes through His authority and redemptive work. The Gospel is not merely a historical record but a meticulously curated theological and evangelistic document.

**What does it mean that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of God"?**

Answer: These are two pivotal titles that define Jesus' identity in the Gospel of John. "The Christ" (Greek: *Christos*) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" (*Mashiach*), meaning "Anointed One." This title affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning the promised deliverer and King of Israel. "The Son of God" emphasizes Jesus' unique divine nature, His pre-existence, and His intimate, unparalleled relationship with God the Father. It signifies His deity and authority, distinguishing Him as uniquely divine, as seen from the very beginning of the Gospel in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator"). Together, these titles present Jesus as both the human fulfillment of God's promises and the divine revelation of God Himself.

**What kind of "life" is promised "through his name"?**

Answer: The "life" (Greek: *zōḗ*) promised in [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel") refers to spiritual, eternal life, which is distinct from mere biological existence (*bios*). This is a qualitative, not just quantitative, life that begins the moment one believes in Jesus and extends into eternity. It is characterized by an intimate, ongoing relationship with God ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")) and a profound spiritual vitality. This life is accessed "through his name," which signifies all that Jesus is—His person, His character, His authority, and His redemptive work on the cross. It means that salvation, spiritual renewal, and eternal communion with God are made possible solely by virtue of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:31 stands as a powerful Christ-centered declaration, revealing that the entire narrative of the Gospel points directly to Jesus as the singular source of eternal life. The explicit purpose of the Gospel—that readers might believe "that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God"—is fulfilled in the person and work of Christ Himself. As "the Christ," Jesus embodies the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One who perfectly fulfills the Law and the Prophets, bringing God's redemptive plan to fruition through His suffering, death, and resurrection ([Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Luke 24:44-47 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). As "the Son of God," He is the divine Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), uniquely revealing the Father and possessing the inherent power to grant life ([John 5:26](/john/5-26 "John 5:26 - The Son Has Life in Himself")). The promise of "life through his name" finds its ultimate reality in Christ; His name represents His entire saving work, His authority, and His very being. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, thereby opening the way for all who believe to receive this new, abundant, and eternal life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Thus, the Gospel's purpose is realized in the transformative encounter with the living Christ, who is Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and 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

Acts 10:43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.