John 5:39

KJV

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Search {G2045} the scriptures {G1124}; for {G3754} in {G1722} them {G846} ye {G5210} think {G1380} ye have {G2192} eternal {G166} life {G2222}: and {G2532} they {G1565} are they {G1526} which testify {G3140} of {G4012} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You keep examining the Tanakh because you think that in it you have eternal life. Those very Scriptures bear witness to me,

Berean Standard Bible

You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,

American Standard Version

Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 5:39, Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders, highlighting their diligent study of the Old Testament Scriptures, which they mistakenly believed to be the direct source of eternal life. He then reveals the profound truth that these very Scriptures, which they meticulously examined, ultimately bear witness to Him as the true path to eternal life. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of the Christocentric nature of all biblical revelation and a powerful critique of religious devotion that misses the person of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within a broader discourse by Jesus in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and Claims Equality with God"). The chapter opens with Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, an act that immediately draws the ire of the Jewish authorities ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at Bethesda")). Their indignation escalates when Jesus asserts His divine authority and equality with God, stating, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' Defense")). This claim leads them to actively seek to kill Him ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jewish Leaders Seek to Kill Jesus")). In response, Jesus delivers a lengthy defense of His identity and mission, presenting various "witnesses" to His divine Sonship: His own works ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")), the testimony of John the Baptist ([John 5:33-35](/john/5-33-35 "John 5:33-35 - John the Baptist's Testimony")), and the ultimate witness of the Father Himself ([John 5:37-38](/john/5-37-38 "John 5:37-38 - The Father's Testimony")). [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Search the Scriptures") then introduces the Scriptures as the final, and perhaps most compelling, witness, directly addressing the very texts the Jewish leaders revered.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism placed immense value on the study of the Torah (the Law) and the Prophets. The scribes and Pharisees, in particular, were known for their meticulous devotion to the Scriptures, believing that adherence to its precepts and a deep understanding of its texts were the means to attain righteousness and eternal life. They spent countless hours studying, memorizing, and debating the nuances of the Law. Synagogues served as centers for instruction, and rabbinic schools flourished. There was a strong emphasis on oral tradition (Mishnah, later Talmud) as an interpretation and application of the written Law. Their expectation of the Messiah was largely shaped by their reading of these Scriptures, though often through a nationalistic and political lens, anticipating a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. Jesus' challenge in [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Search the Scriptures") directly confronts this cultural assumption, asserting that their diligent study, while commendable in its effort, was fundamentally misdirected because it failed to recognize the ultimate object of the Scriptures' testimony.

* **Key Themes:** [John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Search the Scriptures") encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent in the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Christocentricity of Scripture**, asserting that the Old Testament's ultimate purpose is to point to Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of its prophecies, the embodiment of its Law, and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Another key theme is the **misguided pursuit of eternal life**, as the Jewish leaders sought life *in* the Scriptures themselves, rather than through the person to whom the Scriptures testified. This highlights the danger of intellectualism or ritualism devoid of a living relationship with God. Jesus consistently emphasizes that [eternal life is found in knowing Him and the Father](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God"). Finally, the passage underscores the theme of **Jesus' divine authority and identity**, as He positions Himself as the one to whom all Scripture bears witness, thereby substantiating His claims of equality with God and His unique role as the Son sent by the Father to give life ([John 5:21-26](/john/5-21-26 "John 5:21-26 - The Son Gives Life and Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Search (Greek, _ereunáō'_):** From G2045, meaning "to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate." This word implies a diligent, painstaking, and thorough examination, akin to digging for treasure or conducting a careful inquiry. The verb can be interpreted as either an imperative ("You must search!") or an indicative ("You do search..."). Given the context of Jesus' rebuke and the subsequent verse where He laments their unwillingness to come to Him ([John 5:40](/john/5-40 "John 5:40 - You Refuse to Come to Me")), the imperative sense is generally favored by scholars, urging them to a deeper, more sincere investigation that would lead them to Him.
* **Scriptures (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From G1124, meaning "a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)." This term refers specifically to the sacred writings of the Old Testament, which were revered by the Jewish people as the inspired Word of God. The plural form emphasizes the entire body of these sacred texts. Jesus acknowledges their reverence for and study of these writings, but challenges their understanding of the Scriptures' ultimate purpose.
* **Eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** From G166, meaning "perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)." This adjective describes the quality of life the Jewish leaders sought. It denotes not merely endless duration, but a quality of life that is divine, transcendent, and belongs to the age to come.
* **Testify (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From G3140, meaning "to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively)." This word is crucial, as it presents the Scriptures not as an end in themselves, but as an active witness. Like a legal witness, the Scriptures provide evidence and bear record to the identity and mission of Jesus. This concept of "witness" is a dominant theme throughout John's Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Search the scriptures;":** This opening clause, likely an imperative command, urges a diligent and investigative study of the Old Testament. Jesus acknowledges their existing practice of studying the Scriptures but implies a need for a deeper, more intentional, and rightly focused examination. It is not a superficial reading but a profound seeking.
* **"for in them ye think ye have eternal life:":** This clause exposes the fundamental misunderstanding of the Jewish leaders. They believed that eternal life was intrinsically contained within the texts themselves, as if intellectual mastery or strict adherence to the Law would grant it. Their focus was on the "what" (the texts) rather than the "who" (the Giver of life). Jesus highlights their flawed premise, revealing that their diligent search was misdirected.
* **"and they are they which testify of me.":** This is the climactic revelation. Jesus declares that the true purpose and ultimate subject of the Scriptures is Himself. The Old Testament is not merely a collection of laws, histories, and prophecies, but a unified narrative that points forward to the coming Messiah, His life, death, and resurrection. The Scriptures serve as a divine witness, providing irrefutable evidence of Jesus' identity and mission.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:39 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**: the very people who meticulously studied the Scriptures, believing them to contain eternal life, failed to recognize the one to whom those Scriptures pointed and who *is* eternal life. Jesus highlights this profound disconnect. There is also **Personification**, as the Scriptures are depicted as an active "witness" that "testifies" of Jesus, giving them an agency beyond mere static texts. Furthermore, the opening phrase, "Search the scriptures," carries a significant **Imperative/Indicative Ambiguity**. While it can be read as an indicative statement ("You *do* search the Scriptures..."), the stronger interpretative weight, given the context of Jesus' rebuke and the following verse ([John 5:40](/john/5-40 "John 5:40 - You Refuse to Come to Me")), leans towards an imperative command, urging them to *re-orient* their search to find Him. This ambiguity itself serves as a rhetorical device, challenging their current practice while simultaneously commanding a more fruitful one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:39 is a cornerstone for understanding the **Christocentricity of all Scripture**. It teaches us that the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is ultimately about Jesus Christ. The Old Testament lays the groundwork, foreshadows, and prophesies His coming, His work, and His kingdom. The New Testament reveals His fulfillment of these promises and His ongoing reign. To study the Scriptures without discerning Christ within them is to miss their central message and ultimate purpose. This verse corrects a common human tendency to elevate the means (the text) above the end (the person of Christ), reminding us that true spiritual life is found not in intellectual mastery of information, but in a transformative relationship with the living Word.

* [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains Scriptures Concerning Himself")
* [Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - All the Prophets Testify of Him")
* [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "Romans 1:2 - The Gospel Promised Through the Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:39 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to examine our own approach to the Bible. It calls us to diligent and earnest study, not as an academic exercise or a means to accumulate knowledge for its own sake, but as a spiritual discipline aimed at deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are invited to "search the Scriptures" with an expectant heart, seeking to encounter the living Word within the written Word. This verse warns against the spiritual danger of intellectualism without transformation, reminding us that it is possible to know much *about* the Bible without truly knowing its Author. Our study should always lead us to worship, obedience, and a more profound love for Jesus, who is the very embodiment of eternal life. The goal is not merely information, but formation—being conformed to the image of Christ through His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current approach to Bible study align with the Christ-centered focus Jesus advocates in this verse?**
* **Am I seeking eternal life *in* the Scriptures, or am I seeking it *through* the One to whom the Scriptures testify?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my Bible reading consistently leads me to a deeper knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to intellectualizing faith or focusing on rules rather than on the person of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does "Search the scriptures" mean we should constantly be looking for hidden meanings or codes in the Bible?**

Answer: While the Greek word "ereunáō" does imply a diligent and thorough investigation, it does not suggest a search for secret codes or esoteric meanings. Instead, it refers to a careful, prayerful, and contextual study of the biblical text to understand its plain meaning and, more importantly, its ultimate purpose: to reveal Jesus Christ. The "search" is about understanding God's revealed truth and His redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ, rather than uncovering hidden messages. The emphasis is on the *object* of the Scriptures' testimony (Jesus), not on a mystical method of interpretation.

**Why did the Jewish leaders miss Jesus, even though they studied the Scriptures so diligently?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders missed Jesus primarily because their diligent study was often driven by a flawed understanding of the Scriptures' purpose and a hardened heart. They sought self-righteousness and external validation through their adherence to the Law, rather than seeking a personal relationship with God. Their expectations of the Messiah were often nationalistic and political, failing to grasp the spiritual nature of His kingdom and His suffering servant role. Jesus explicitly states in the very next verse, "[But you refuse to come to me that you may have life](/john/5-40 "John 5:40 - You Refuse to Come to Me")." Their intellectual pursuit of the text was not accompanied by a humble, open heart willing to receive God's revelation in the person of Jesus. They had the map but refused to follow it to the destination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:39 is a profound declaration of the Christocentric nature of all biblical revelation. Jesus, the living Word, asserts that the written Word (the Old Testament Scriptures) finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in Him. He is the very subject and culmination of all that the Law and the Prophets foretold. The promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing Through Abraham")), the covenant given to Moses ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant")), the prophecies of a coming King from David's line ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - Davidic Covenant")), and the suffering servant of Isaiah ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")) all point to Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [Passover sacrifice](/1-corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), and the [fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). The Old Testament is a grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, a plan that is fully realized and revealed in Jesus Christ. He is the [Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), the beginning and the end of God's story. Therefore, to truly understand the Scriptures is to understand Jesus, for [in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures"). He is the ultimate revelation of God, the [exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"), and the only source of the eternal life that the Scriptures promise.

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

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Acts 26:23

That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Proverbs 8:33

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.