5:33 5:33

John 5:34

5:35 5:35

Bible Versions

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
But {G1161} I {G1473} receive {G2983} not {G3756} testimony {G3141} from {G3844} man {G444}: but {G235} these things {G5023} I say {G3004}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} might be saved {G4982}.
Not that I collect human testimony; rather, I say these things so that you might be saved.
Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.
But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.

John 5:34 (KJV): "But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved."

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' profound discourse in John chapter 5, where He is defending His actions and claims of divine authority before the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. He had just healed a man on the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:8-9), which stirred significant opposition. The Jewish leaders were questioning His authority and accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath and, more critically, making Himself equal with God. In the preceding verses, Jesus acknowledges that John the Baptist bore witness concerning Him, but here He clarifies that His ultimate validation does not come from any human source, even one as revered as John.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority vs. Human Approval: Jesus emphatically states that His truth and authority do not depend on human validation. His mission and identity are divinely sourced, not subject to human judgment or approval. This highlights His unique relationship with God the Father.
  • Redemptive Purpose: The core reason Jesus speaks, teaches, and performs miracles is not to win arguments or gain followers for personal glory, but for the profound purpose of offering salvation. His words are not merely informative but transformative, aiming to bring eternal life to those who believe.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "testimony" is marturia (μαρτυρία), which means witness, evidence, or attestation. Jesus' point is that while human witnesses can be helpful, His ultimate authority and the truth of His claims do not rest on such human evidence.
  • The word "saved" comes from the Greek sōthēte (σῴζητε), which implies deliverance, healing, or preservation. In this context, it refers to spiritual salvation – deliverance from sin and eternal death, leading to a reconciled relationship with God. This underscores the ultimate goal of Christ's ministry.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' statement here reinforces His divine origin and purpose. He emphasizes that His true witness comes from the Father Himself (John 5:37) and from His own works (John 5:36). The ultimate purpose of His coming into the world was indeed not to condemn, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). His words are spirit and life (John 6:63), offering a pathway to salvation for all who hear and believe.

Practical Application

John 5:34 challenges us to consider the source of our faith and the ultimate purpose of Christ's message. For believers, it's a reminder that our faith is founded not on human opinions or fleeting trends, but on the unshakeable truth and authority of Jesus Christ. For those seeking truth, it highlights that Jesus' words are spoken with a profound, life-giving intention: to offer salvation. This verse encourages us to listen to Jesus' teachings with an open heart, recognizing their divine origin and their power to transform and save. It also serves as a call to prioritize God's truth over human validation in our own lives, aligning with Christ's example of seeking only the Father's approval.

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.

  • 1 John 5:9

    If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

  • Luke 19:41

    ¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

  • Luke 19:42

    Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

  • John 20:31

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.

  • 1 Timothy 2:3

    For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

  • 1 Timothy 2:4

    Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
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