John 5:34

KJV

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Not that I collect human testimony; rather, I say these things so that you might be saved.

Berean Standard Bible

Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.

American Standard Version

But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony"), Jesus declares that His authority and the validity of His claims do not derive from human endorsement, even from a revered figure like John the Baptist. Instead, He asserts that His words and actions, though not reliant on human witness, are spoken and performed with the singular, profound purpose of bringing salvation to humanity, emphasizing His divine mission and redemptive intent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Witness"), following His healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda")). This act sparked intense opposition from the Jewish authorities, who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and, more gravely, of making Himself equal with God ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jesus' Claim to Equality with God")). Jesus' subsequent discourse is a profound defense of His divine Sonship and authority, where He appeals to various witnesses—including the Father, His own works, the Scriptures, and even John the Baptist ([John 5:31-47](/john/5-31-47 "John 5:31-47 - Jesus' Witnesses")). In [John 5:33](/john/5-33 "John 5:33 - John the Baptist's Witness"), Jesus acknowledges John's witness but immediately clarifies in [John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony") that He does not *receive* or *depend* on such human testimony for His ultimate validation, pivoting instead to His salvific purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed significant emphasis on the concept of witness and testimony, particularly in legal and religious contexts, as seen in the Mosaic Law's requirement for two or three witnesses ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")). The Jewish leaders were operating within this framework, seeking human corroboration or refutation of Jesus' claims. John the Baptist was widely regarded as a prophet ([Matthew 14:5](/matthew/14-5 "Matthew 14:5 - John the Baptist as a Prophet")), and his testimony would have carried considerable weight. However, Jesus' statement transcends this human-centric legal framework, asserting a divine origin for His authority that stands independent of human validation. His claim to equality with God was blasphemous in their eyes, and His rejection of human testimony as the *source* of His authority only underscored His radical claims.

* **Key Themes:** [John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - Introduction"). First, it highlights the **Divine Authority of Jesus**, emphasizing that His mission and identity are not subject to human judgment or approval, but are divinely sourced directly from the Father ([John 5:19-23](/john/5-19-23 "John 5:19-23 - The Son's Authority from the Father")). Second, it underscores the **Redemptive Purpose of Christ**, revealing that Jesus' ultimate aim in speaking and acting is not self-glorification or winning arguments, but the profound offer of salvation to humanity. This aligns with the Gospel's overarching theme that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God's Purpose in Sending His Son")). Jesus' words are therefore not merely informative but transformative, designed to bring eternal life to those who believe and hear His voice ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Having Eternal Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** G2983. This verb means "to take," "to get hold of," or "to obtain." In this context, Jesus uses it to convey that He does not *derive* or *depend* upon human testimony for the truth or validity of His person and mission. While He acknowledges John the Baptist's witness as a helpful sign for others, He is not *receiving* His authority or identity from it as if it were a necessary prerequisite or foundational source. His authority is inherent and divine.
* **testimony (Greek, _martyría'_):** G3141. This noun refers to "evidence given," "witness," or "attestation." It is a judicial term, often used in the context of legal proceedings. Jesus is asserting that His case, His claims to divine Sonship and authority, do not stand or fall based on human witness, no matter how true or well-intentioned. His witness is of a higher, divine order.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** G4982. This verb means "to save," "to deliver," "to protect," "to heal," or "to make whole." Here, it carries its fullest theological weight, referring to spiritual salvation—deliverance from sin, spiritual death, and judgment, leading to eternal life and reconciliation with God. Jesus explicitly states that the ultimate purpose of His words and actions, even in the midst of controversy, is this profound, life-transforming salvation for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I receive not testimony from man:"** Jesus emphatically states that His authority and the truth of His claims are not contingent upon human validation. The "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast to the preceding discussion of John the Baptist's witness. While John did indeed bear witness to Jesus ([John 5:33](/john/5-33 "John 5:33 - John the Baptist's Witness")), Jesus clarifies that He does not *depend* on this human testimony. His divine nature and mission are self-authenticating, ultimately deriving from the Father, not from any earthly source. This highlights His unique, transcendent relationship with God.
* **"but these things I say,"** The second "but" (G235, _allá_) introduces a strong adversative, shifting the focus from what Jesus does *not* receive to what He *does* intend. "These things" refers to His entire discourse, His claims, His works, and His very presence. He is not speaking defensively to gain human approval or to win an argument, but with a specific, proactive purpose. His words are not merely informative or argumentative; they are purposeful and intentional, aimed at a higher goal.
* **"that ye might be saved."** This is a purpose clause (introduced by G2443, _hína_), revealing the ultimate, redemptive intention behind all of Jesus' words and actions. Despite the hostility and misunderstanding from the Jewish leaders, Jesus' overarching goal is the spiritual salvation of those who hear Him. This underscores the profound love and grace inherent in His ministry, demonstrating that even in confrontation, His heart's desire is for humanity's deliverance from sin and eternal life. His divine authority is exercised for humanity's ultimate good.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, with Jesus drawing a clear distinction between the source of His authority (not from man) and the purpose of His words (for man's salvation). The repeated use of "but" (G1161, _dé_ and G235, _allá_) emphasizes this sharp division, highlighting the divine independence of Jesus. The phrase "that ye might be saved" functions as a **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the teleological aim of Jesus' discourse. This reveals His overarching **Redemptive Intent**, framing His entire ministry, even His confrontations, within the context of God's plan for human salvation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Paradox** or **Irony**: though Jesus does not *need* human testimony, He *gives* His words to humanity precisely for their benefit, demonstrating a profound humility and self-giving love despite His absolute divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:34 is a pivotal statement that encapsulates the core of Jesus' self-understanding and mission within John's Gospel. It asserts His divine self-sufficiency and authority, demonstrating that His truth does not require human validation. This independence from human approval underscores His unique relationship with the Father, from whom all His authority and power derive. More profoundly, the verse reveals that this absolute authority is wielded not for self-exaltation, but for the ultimate good of humanity: salvation. Jesus' words, even those spoken in defense against His adversaries, are imbued with redemptive purpose, inviting listeners to eternal life. This aligns perfectly with the overarching Johannine theme that Jesus is the light, life, and truth, come into the world to save.

* [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World"): "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
* [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life"): "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
* [John 12:47](/john/12-47 "John 12:47 - Jesus Came Not to Judge, But to Save"): "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:34 challenges us to consider the ultimate source of truth and authority in our lives, particularly concerning spiritual matters. Jesus' declaration that He does not receive testimony from man serves as a powerful reminder that our faith should not be based on fleeting human opinions, popular consensus, or even the most eloquent human arguments, but on the unshakeable, divinely sourced truth of Jesus Christ Himself. For believers, this means rooting our convictions deeply in God's Word and the person of Christ, rather than seeking validation from the world. For those still exploring faith, the verse highlights Jesus' profound, benevolent intention: His words are spoken not to condemn or merely inform, but to offer life-transforming salvation. This should compel us to listen to His teachings with an open heart, recognizing their divine origin and their power to deliver and make whole. It also calls us to emulate Christ's example, prioritizing God's will and purpose over human approval in our own lives and ministries, always aiming for the spiritual good of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek human validation or testimony more than God's truth?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' primary purpose ("that ye might be saved") reframe my perception of His teachings and actions, especially those that seem challenging or confrontational?**
* **What does it mean practically to live a life where my ultimate authority and purpose are derived from God, not from human opinion?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus say He does not "receive testimony from man" when He just acknowledged John the Baptist's witness?**

Answer: Jesus is making a crucial distinction between acknowledging a witness and *depending* on that witness for His ultimate authority or identity. In [John 5:33](/john/5-33 "John 5:33 - John the Baptist's Witness"), Jesus affirms that John the Baptist "bare witness unto the truth," indicating that John's testimony was indeed accurate and helpful. However, in [John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony"), Jesus clarifies that His own divine authority and the truth of His claims do not *originate* from or *rely* on John's or any other human testimony. John's witness was a lamp shining in the darkness, intended to point people to Jesus ([John 5:35](/john/5-35 "John 5:35 - John the Baptist as a Burning and Shining Light")), but it was not the *source* of Jesus' light. Jesus' authority comes directly from God the Father, as He explains further in [John 5:36-37](/john/5-36-37 "John 5:36-37 - The Father's Witness and Jesus' Works"). He states this to elevate the true, divine source of His authority above any human corroboration, even while acknowledging the human witness's role in guiding people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony") profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of salvation. Jesus, the Son of God, stands uniquely apart from humanity in His origin and authority, yet He condescends to speak "that ye might be saved." This statement foreshadows His ultimate act of salvation on the cross, where His divine authority was fully displayed in His willingness to lay down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11, 18](/john/10-11-18 "John 10:11, 18 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). His words are not merely philosophical musings but are imbued with the power to deliver from sin and death, a power fully realized through His atoning work. The salvation He offers is not earned by human effort or validated by human testimony, but is a free gift of grace, made possible by His perfect obedience and sacrifice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, [John 5:34](/john/5-34 "John 5:34 - Jesus' Divine Testimony") points directly to the cross and resurrection, where the divine purpose of Jesus' coming—to save—was definitively accomplished, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World")).

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

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.