John 5:32

KJV

There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {G2076} another {G243} that beareth witness {G3140} of {G4012} me {G1700}; and {G2532} I know {G1492} that {G3754} the witness {G3141} which {G3739} he witnesseth {G3140} of {G4012} me {G1700} is {G2076} true {G227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But there is someone else testifying on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he is making is valid —

Berean Standard Bible

There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.

American Standard Version

It is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 5:32, Jesus continues His defense against the Jewish leaders, asserting that His claims are not merely self-attestation but are divinely validated by "another" witness—God the Father. This verse underscores the absolute truthfulness and unwavering reliability of the Father's testimony concerning Jesus' identity and mission, providing a foundational assurance of His divine authority and intimate relationship with the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Healing at Bethesda and Jesus' Authority"), following Jesus' healing of a paralytic on the Sabbath at the [Pool of Bethesda](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda"). This act provoked intense opposition from the Jewish authorities, who sought to persecute and even kill Jesus, not only for violating their Sabbath traditions but, more significantly, for [claiming God as His own Father, thereby making Himself equal with God](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jesus' Claim of Equality with God"). Jesus' subsequent discourse, beginning in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself"), serves as a profound theological defense, where He systematically presents various witnesses to His divine identity and authority, including the Father, His works, the Scriptures, and John the Baptist. Verse 32 introduces the Father as a crucial, irrefutable witness in this "legal" defense.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society operated under a legal framework that highly valued testimony, drawing from Old Testament principles. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses") stipulated that "one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." This legal requirement for multiple witnesses was deeply ingrained in Jewish jurisprudence and provided the backdrop for Jesus' argument. By introducing "another" witness, Jesus was not only appealing to a divine authority but also strategically engaging with His accusers on their own legal terms, demonstrating that His claims were not baseless but supported by multiple, unimpeachable testimonies.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Witnesses") is Jesus' divine authority and His unique relationship with God the Father. This verse contributes directly to the theme of **Divine Validation**, emphasizing that Jesus' messianic claims are not self-proclaimed but are attested to by the highest possible authority. It also reinforces the theme of **Truth and Reliability**, as Jesus explicitly states that the Father's witness is "true," underscoring the absolute certainty and trustworthiness of this divine testimony. Furthermore, the concept of **Witness** (Greek *martyria* and *martyreō*) is central to John's Gospel, appearing frequently to build a cumulative case for Jesus' identity as the Son of God. Here, the Father's witness is presented as the ultimate, undeniable proof, surpassing all human testimony. This discourse, including [John 5:32](/john/5-32 "John 5:32 - The Father's Witness"), lays the groundwork for understanding Jesus' subsequent claims about His unity with the Father and His role as judge and giver of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **another (Greek, _állos'_):** This word signifies "different" or "else," indicating a distinct entity from Jesus Himself. In this context, it clearly points to God the Father, who provides a separate, external validation of Jesus' identity, fulfilling the legal requirement for multiple witnesses.
* **beareth witness (Greek, _martyréō'_):** Derived from *martys* (witness), this verb carries a strong legal connotation, meaning "to testify," "bear record," or "give evidence." It highlights that the Father's action is a formal, authoritative declaration, akin to giving testimony in a court of law, thereby validating Jesus' claims with divine authority.
* **true (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** From *a* (negative particle) and *lanthanō* (to escape notice, conceal), meaning "not concealing" or "unhidden." This adjective denotes absolute veracity and reliability. The Father's witness is not false, deceptive, or hidden; it is genuinely and demonstrably true, providing an unshakeable foundation for Jesus' identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is another that beareth witness of me":** This clause introduces the crucial concept of an external, divine witness to Jesus' claims. Jesus, while capable of bearing witness to Himself (as He states in [John 8:14](/john/8-14 "John 8:14 - Jesus' Self-Witness")), acknowledges the Jewish legal principle requiring multiple witnesses. The "another" here unequivocally refers to God the Father, who consistently testifies to His Son's identity and mission. This sets the stage for the Father's testimony as the ultimate validation.
* **"and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.":** Jesus asserts His intimate knowledge and certainty regarding the Father's testimony. The phrase "I know" (Greek *eídō*) implies a deep, intuitive, and experiential understanding, not mere intellectual assent. This knowledge is rooted in His unique, eternal relationship with the Father. The Father's witness is declared "true" (Greek *alēthḗs*), signifying its absolute veracity, reliability, and divine origin, leaving no room for doubt or dispute. It is the unvarnished truth, revealed by God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to underscore its profound theological message. **Legal Language** is paramount, with terms like "witness" (*martyréō*, *martyría*) dominating the discourse, framing Jesus' defense as a courtroom proceeding where divine testimony is presented as irrefutable evidence. This creates a sense of solemnity and authority. **Repetition** of the word "witness" (and its various forms) throughout [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Witnesses to Jesus") and specifically in this verse ("beareth witness," "witness," "witnesseth") serves to emphasize the central theme of validation and the cumulative weight of the evidence for Jesus' identity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Assertion**, as Jesus confidently declares His knowledge of the Father's truthfulness, reinforcing His divine insight and unique relationship with God. This confident assertion contrasts with the skepticism of His Jewish interlocutors, highlighting the chasm between human doubt and divine certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:32 is foundational to understanding the nature of divine revelation and the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. It establishes that Jesus' claims are not self-serving pronouncements but are firmly grounded in the direct, unimpeachable testimony of God the Father. This divine witness is not merely a verbal declaration but is also manifest through the works that the Father enables Jesus to perform, as well as through the prophetic Scriptures. The Father's testimony serves as the ultimate seal of authenticity on Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God, providing an eternal and unchanging truth upon which faith can securely rest. This concept of divine attestation is crucial for the Gospel of John's overall purpose: to persuade its readers that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God, so that by believing they may have life in His name.

* [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")
* [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Voice at the Transfiguration")
* [John 8:18](/john/8-18 "John 8:18 - Jesus and the Father as Two Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:32 offers profound assurance to believers today. In a world saturated with competing claims and subjective truths, this verse anchors our faith in the objective, unwavering testimony of God Himself. Our trust in Jesus is not based on human opinion, fleeting emotions, or philosophical speculation, but on the eternal validation of the Father. This divine endorsement means that when we believe in Jesus, we are not believing in a mere man or a humanly devised system, but in the very Son of God, attested to by the Creator of the universe. This truth should embolden our witness, strengthen our resolve in times of doubt, and deepen our worship of a God who has so clearly revealed His Son. It reminds us that the foundation of our salvation is as solid and true as God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that God the Father Himself testifies about Jesus impact your faith and assurance?**
* **In what ways does the world around you challenge the truth about Jesus, and how can the Father's witness strengthen your response?**
* **How can you more fully rest in the divine validation of Jesus' identity in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "another" witness Jesus refers to in John 5:32?**

Answer: The "another" witness Jesus refers to is God the Father. Throughout His discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Defense and Witnesses"), Jesus systematically presents various forms of testimony that validate His divine identity and mission. While He acknowledges the witness of John the Baptist ([John 5:33-35](/john/5-33-35 "John 5:33-35 - The Witness of John the Baptist")), His own works ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Witness of Jesus' Works")), and the Scriptures ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Witness of the Scriptures")), the Father's witness is presented as the ultimate and most authoritative validation. This divine testimony is seen both in direct declarations, such as at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, and through the power and authority inherent in Jesus' works, which are ultimately the Father's works through Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:32 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate divine authentication of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. The Father's "true" witness, mentioned here, is not merely a historical declaration but an ongoing, active testimony that culminates in Jesus' redemptive work. This witness is powerfully manifested at Jesus' baptism, where a voice from heaven declares, "[This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Declaration at Jesus' Baptism")" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism")). It is reiterated at the Transfiguration, with the command "[This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Command at the Transfiguration")" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")). Ultimately, the Father's witness is most profoundly fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The resurrection is the Father's ultimate stamp of approval, vindicating Jesus' claims and demonstrating His victory over sin and death, thereby confirming Him as the [Son of God with power](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). Thus, the "true" witness of the Father in [John 5:32](/john/5-32 "John 5:32 - The Father's Witness") foreshadows and undergirds the entire saving work of Christ, assuring us that our faith is founded on the unshakeable testimony of God Himself, culminating in the glorious reality of the gospel.

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 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

John 12:30

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

John 12:50

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

John 1:33

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John 5:36

But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

John 5:37

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.