John 3:11

KJV

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, We speak {G2980} that {G3754}{G3739} we do know {G1492}, and {G2532} testify {G3140} that {G3739} we have seen {G3708}; and {G2532} ye receive {G2983} not {G3756} our {G2257} witness {G3141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you that what we speak about, we know; and what we give evidence of, we have seen; but you people don’t accept our evidence!

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony.

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that which we know, and bear witness of that which we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 3:11, Jesus declares with solemn emphasis that His testimony stems from direct, experiential knowledge and observation of divine realities. He contrasts this absolute truth with the profound spiritual blindness and unwillingness of His listeners, particularly Nicodemus and the religious establishment he represents, to accept the heavenly witness He brings. This verse underscores Jesus' unique authority as the revealer of God's truth and laments the human resistance to it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jesus' extended nocturnal dialogue with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, initiated in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus"). The conversation begins with Jesus' startling declaration about the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" to enter the kingdom of God ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")). Nicodemus's confusion and literal interpretation of spiritual birth ([John 3:4](/john/3-4 "John 3:4 - Nicodemus' Confusion")) prompt Jesus to elaborate on the work of the Spirit, comparing it to the unseen yet powerful wind ([John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Spirit's Work")). In [John 3:10](/john/3-10 "John 3:10 - Jesus Rebukes Nicodemus"), Jesus expresses surprise that Nicodemus, a "teacher of Israel," does not understand these fundamental spiritual truths. [John 3:11](/john/3-11 "John 3:11 - Jesus' Authoritative Witness") then serves as Jesus' direct assertion of the absolute veracity and divine origin of His own testimony, contrasting it sharply with Nicodemus's inability to comprehend. It sets the stage for Jesus to speak of even "heavenly things" in the subsequent verses ([John 3:12](/john/3-12 "John 3:12 - Earthly and Heavenly Things")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus's identity as a Pharisee and a "ruler of the Jews" is crucial. Pharisees were a highly respected, influential religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. As a "ruler," he was likely a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial council. His visit "by night" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus' Secret Visit")) could indicate a desire for private instruction, a fear of public association with Jesus, or simply the only time available for a busy dignitary. The concept of "witness" (Greek: _martyria_) was deeply embedded in Jewish legal and religious thought, where testimony from credible sources was paramount. Jesus' claim to "know" and "see" heavenly things would have been a profound challenge to the established religious authority, as it implied a direct, unparalleled access to God's truth that bypassed their traditional interpretations and hierarchical structures. This context highlights the clash between human religious systems and divine revelation.

* **Key Themes:** [John 3:11](/john/3-11 "John 3:11 - Jesus' Authoritative Witness") contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the **Divine Authority and Unquestionable Truth** of Jesus' words. He does not speak from speculation or human wisdom but from direct, firsthand knowledge and experience of heavenly realities, underscoring His unique relationship with the Father, as highlighted in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son"). Secondly, the use of the plural "We" in "We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen" introduces the theme of the **Unified Divine Witness**. This "We" often refers to Jesus in conjunction with the Father and/or the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the collective, harmonious testimony of the Godhead to truth, echoing themes found in [John 5:31-40](/john/5-31-40 "John 5:31-40 - Jesus' Witnesses"). Finally, the lament, "and ye receive not our witness," brings to the forefront the pervasive theme of the **Rejection of Divine Revelation**. Despite the clear and authoritative nature of Jesus' testimony, many, including the religious leaders like Nicodemus, struggle with spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, choosing not to accept His claims. This rejection is a recurring motif throughout John's Gospel, exemplified by the statement in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amēn'_):** From G281, this word is of Hebrew origin, meaning "firm" or "trustworthy." When doubled ("Verily, verily" or "Amen, Amen"), as is unique to John's Gospel, it serves as a solemn, emphatic declaration, signaling that what follows is of utmost importance, absolute truth, and demands careful attention and belief. It functions as a divine oath, underscoring the certainty and authority of Jesus' statement.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively) but, in the perfect tense (as used here), it implies "to know" in a complete, experiential, and intimate sense. It signifies not mere intellectual understanding or acquired information, but a direct, intuitive, and perfect apprehension of reality, distinguishing Jesus' knowledge from any human speculation or learning.
* **witness (Greek, _martyría'_):** From G3141, this noun refers to "evidence given," "record," or "testimony." It carries a strong legal connotation, implying an authoritative declaration of truth based on direct observation or experience. Jesus' "witness" is not an opinion but a verifiable, divinely sourced declaration of heavenly facts, which He presents as irrefutable proof of His claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto thee":** Jesus initiates His statement with a double "Amen," a solemn and emphatic affirmation unique to His discourse in John's Gospel. This serves as a powerful signal that what follows is of the highest importance and absolute truth, demanding Nicodemus's full attention and belief. It underscores Jesus' divine authority as the speaker.
* **"We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen":** This clause reveals the source and nature of Jesus' authority. The "We" is a theological plural, referring to Jesus in unity with the Father and/or the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the unified divine witness. Their "speaking" (uttering words) and "testifying" (bearing witness) are rooted in direct, perfect, and experiential "knowledge" (what they intimately apprehend) and "seeing" (what they have clearly perceived). This is not speculation but firsthand, divine revelation of heavenly realities.
* **"and ye receive not our witness":** This is a lament and a stark indictment. Despite the absolute truth and divine authority of Jesus' words, Nicodemus (and by extension, the Jewish religious leaders he represents) is unable or unwilling to "receive" (to take, accept, or grasp) this divine testimony. This highlights a profound spiritual blindness and resistance to God's revelation, contrasting human earthly understanding with divine spiritual truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition** through the double "Verily, verily" (Greek: _Amēn, amēn_), which acts as a powerful intensifier, signaling the profound importance and absolute truth of Jesus' subsequent statement. This emphatic opening demands the listener's utmost attention. Secondly, there is a clear **Contrast** established between Jesus' perfect, divinely sourced knowledge ("We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen") and the human inability or unwillingness to accept this truth ("and ye receive not our witness"). This highlights the chasm between divine revelation and earthly comprehension. Finally, the use of the **First-person plural "We"** ("We speak," "we do know," "we have seen," "our witness") is a significant theological device. While grammatically plural, it functions as a majestic or theological plural, referring to Jesus in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit, thereby emphasizing the unified and unassailable divine source of the truth being proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:11 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine revelation and human reception. It asserts Jesus' unparalleled authority as the ultimate revealer of God's truth, stemming from His unique, intimate relationship with the Father. His testimony is not based on human speculation or learned wisdom, but on direct, experiential knowledge of heavenly realities. This verse underscores that the truth of God, though perfectly presented by Christ, often meets with resistance and spiritual incomprehension from those who are not spiritually reborn or attuned to divine things. It highlights the tragic reality that even those who are religious or intellectually curious may remain spiritually blind to the deepest truths of God's kingdom, necessitating a divine intervention of the Holy Spirit to grant understanding and acceptance.

* [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - That Which We Have Seen and Heard")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the absolute reliability and divine authority of Jesus' words. He speaks not from opinion, theory, or mere human insight, but from perfect knowledge and direct experience of the very heart of God. For believers today, this verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of deep trust and humility before Christ's teachings. It calls us to examine our own hearts, asking if we, like Nicodemus, are hesitant or resistant to certain spiritual truths because they challenge our natural understanding, worldly wisdom, or comfortable paradigms. True faith requires a willingness to receive what Jesus declares, even when it seems mysterious or demands radical transformation. Furthermore, it prompts us to recognize our inherent need for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our minds and hearts, enabling us to comprehend and embrace the profound, spiritual realities that Jesus reveals, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to genuine spiritual reception and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I truly accept Jesus' words as ultimate and unquestionable truth, even when they challenge my preconceived notions or worldly wisdom?**
* **What specific spiritual truths or teachings of Jesus might I be struggling to "receive" or fully embrace in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more open and receptive to divine revelation, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform my understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus use the plural "We" ("We speak," "we do know," "we have seen") when speaking to Nicodemus?**

Answer: The use of the plural "We" in [John 3:11](/john/3-11 "John 3:11 - Jesus' Authoritative Witness") is a significant theological plural, often referred to as a "plural of majesty" or a "theological plural." It signifies that Jesus is not speaking merely on His own human authority, but in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is presenting a unified divine witness to the truth. This emphasizes the divine origin and collective authority behind His message, underscoring that the truths He reveals are not His personal opinions but the very testimony of God Himself. It points to the profound unity within the Godhead in revealing salvation and spiritual realities to humanity, as further elaborated in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself").

**What does "ye receive not our witness" imply about Nicodemus and others like him?**

Answer: This statement implies a profound spiritual inability or unwillingness on the part of Nicodemus and the religious leaders he represents to fully grasp and accept the spiritual truths Jesus is revealing. It's not necessarily a lack of intellectual capacity, but a spiritual blindness or resistance to the divine nature of Jesus' claims and the spiritual kingdom He proclaims. Despite Nicodemus's initial curiosity and acknowledgment that Jesus is "a teacher come from God" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus' Acknowledgment")), he struggles to move beyond an earthly, literal understanding to embrace the spiritual realities of being "born again" and the divine authority of Jesus' testimony. This highlights the theme that human wisdom and religious tradition, apart from divine illumination, are insufficient to "receive" God's witness, as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Person Does Not Accept Spiritual Things").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 3:11](/john/3-11 "John 3:11 - Jesus' Authoritative Witness") stands as a foundational declaration of Christ's unique authority and His role as the ultimate revealer of God. Jesus' claim to "know" and "see" heavenly things is not merely a prophet's insight, but the inherent knowledge of the Son who eternally dwells with the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). He is the incarnate Truth, the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1:14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His "witness" is therefore the definitive and unchallengeable revelation of God's character, plan, and the way of salvation. The lament that "ye receive not our witness" foreshadows the broader rejection of Christ by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")) which culminates in His crucifixion. Yet, this rejection, paradoxically, paves the way for the ultimate act of divine love—the giving of God's only Son for the salvation of the world, as proclaimed in the very next verse ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). For those who *do* receive His witness, they are given the right to become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God")), experiencing the new birth that Nicodemus struggled to comprehend. Thus, Christ's authoritative witness, though rejected by some, remains the sole foundation for eternal life, a truth confirmed and continued through the testimony of the Holy Spirit ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")) and His apostles ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")).

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 8:38

¶ I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

John 14:24

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 12:49

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 8:28

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am [he], and [that] I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

1 John 5:6

¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.