John 3:33

He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

He that hath received {G2983} his {G846} testimony {G3141} hath set to his seal {G4972} that {G3754} God {G2316} is {G2076} true {G227}.

Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true,

Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.

He that hath received his witness hath set his seal to this, that God is true.

John 3:33 (KJV) states, "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true." This powerful verse, nestled within a broader discourse on faith and divine witness, speaks to the profound act of believing in Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse comes from a section of John's Gospel (John 3:22-36) where John the Baptist's disciples express concern that Jesus is gaining more followers than John. In response, John humbly clarifies his role as the forerunner, emphasizing that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase. He identifies Jesus as the one who "cometh from above" (John 3:31) and speaks "the words of God." Verse 33 underscores the consequence of accepting Jesus's divine witness, linking it directly to the truthfulness of God Himself. This follows Jesus's earlier conversation with Nicodemus about the necessity of spiritual rebirth and God's immense love (John 3:16).

Key Themes

  • Divine Truth and Authenticity: The core message is the absolute truthfulness of God. By accepting Jesus's testimony, one affirms that God is utterly reliable, faithful, and true in all His promises and declarations.
  • The Act of Receiving Testimony: "He that hath received his testimony" refers to those who have heard, understood, and accepted Jesus's message about Himself, the Father, and the way to eternal life. This reception implies faith and belief.
  • Setting One's Seal: To "set to his seal" is an ancient metaphor signifying an act of authentication, confirmation, or validation. Just as a seal validated a document or agreement, receiving Jesus's testimony is a personal act of affirming the truth of God. It's a solemn declaration that one stakes their belief on God's truth.
  • Witness and Affirmation: Both John the Baptist and Jesus bear witness to God's truth. Those who believe Jesus's words, in turn, become internal witnesses to that truth, essentially stamping their approval on God's character.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "hath set to his seal" translates the Greek word esphragisen (ἐσφράγισεν), derived from sphragizo (σφραγίζω). This term literally means "to seal," "to mark with a seal," or "to certify." In ancient contexts, a seal was used to confirm authenticity, ownership, or the finality of a decree. Therefore, when one "sets their seal" to God's truth by believing Jesus, they are personally validating and confirming the absolute reliability of God.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 3:33 serves as a powerful reminder of the foundation of our faith. When we truly receive Jesus Christ and His teachings, we are not merely adopting a philosophy; we are personally affirming that God is true and His word is unfailing. This personal "seal" impacts every aspect of our lives, from how we trust God's promises in difficult times to how we share His truth with others. Our faith is a living testament to the unwavering character of the God who sent His Son (1 John 5:10). It calls us to live in alignment with the truth we have embraced, demonstrating God's faithfulness through our own lives.

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.

  • Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  • Hebrews 6:17

    Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:

  • Titus 1:1

    ¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

  • Titus 1:2

    In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

  • Romans 3:3

    For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

  • Romans 3:4

    God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

  • Romans 4:18

    Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

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