John 5:32

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

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}.

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

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

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

In John 5:32, Jesus continues His powerful defense against the Jewish leaders who challenged His authority, especially after He healed a man on the Sabbath. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Jesus asserts His divine origin and equality with God the Father.

Context

Following the miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9), Jesus faced intense scrutiny and persecution from the Jewish authorities for performing a miracle on the Sabbath and, more significantly, for claiming God as His Father, making Himself equal with God (John 5:18). In this legal-style defense, Jesus acknowledges the principle of Jewish law that a single witness is not sufficient to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Therefore, He introduces "another" witness to validate His claims, referring to God the Father.

Key Themes

  • Divine Validation: The core message is that Jesus' claims are not merely self-proclaimed but are divinely validated. The "another" witness is God the Father Himself, who consistently testifies to Jesus' identity and mission.
  • Truth and Reliability: Jesus explicitly states, "I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true." This underscores the absolute truthfulness and unwavering reliability of the Father's testimony regarding His Son. It assures listeners that Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God is not based on human opinion but on divine truth.
  • Jesus' Authority: This verse reinforces Jesus' unique authority and intimate relationship with the Father. His works and words are not His own but are a direct reflection of the Father's will and power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "witness" (martyria) and "beareth witness" (martyreō) are central to this passage. These terms carry a legal connotation, referring to testimony, evidence, or bearing witness in a court of law. John's Gospel frequently uses this concept to emphasize the overwhelming evidence for Jesus' divine nature and mission. It highlights that Jesus' claims are not baseless but are supported by irrefutable, divine testimony.

Related Scriptures

The identity of this "another" witness is clearly God the Father. The Father's testimony concerning Jesus is seen throughout the Gospels:

Practical Application

For believers today, John 5:32 offers profound assurance. Our faith in Jesus is not built on human speculation or fleeting opinions but on the sure and unwavering testimony of God the Father. This divine validation empowers us to trust in Jesus' claims, His teachings, and His ultimate sacrifice. It reminds us that the truth about Jesus is eternally established by the highest authority, providing a firm foundation for our hope and salvation.

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 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.

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