John 5:40

KJV

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye will {G2309} not {G3756} come {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165}, that {G2443} ye might have {G2192} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but you won’t come to me in order to have life!

Berean Standard Bible

yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.

American Standard Version

and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:40 encapsulates Jesus' profound indictment of the Jewish religious leaders, revealing their deliberate and tragic refusal to embrace Him as the Messiah and the singular source of eternal life. Despite overwhelming evidence from Scripture, divine testimony, and His own miraculous works, their hardened hearts and self-righteousness prevented them from coming to Him, thereby forfeiting the very life they claimed to seek. This verse underscores the critical role of human will in responding to God's gracious invitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement in a lengthy discourse delivered by Jesus in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Testimony"). The chapter begins with Jesus' healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, an act that immediately drew the ire of the Jewish authorities, who sought to persecute and even kill Him ([John 5:16](/john/5-16 "John 5:16 - Persecution for Healing on the Sabbath")). In response, Jesus launches into a powerful defense of His divine identity and authority, asserting His intrinsic unity with the Father ([John 5:19-23](/john/5-19-23 "John 5:19-23 - The Son's Authority")), His role as the giver of life ([John 5:21](/john/5-21 "John 5:21 - The Son Gives Life")), and the ultimate judge ([John 5:22, 27](/john/5-22-27 "John 5:22, 27 - The Son as Judge")). He then appeals to a series of undeniable witnesses: John the Baptist ([John 5:33-35](/john/5-33-35 "John 5:33-35 - John the Baptist's Testimony")), His own miraculous works ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works Testify")), the Father's direct testimony through the Scriptures and the Spirit ([John 5:37-38](/john/5-37-38 "John 5:37-38 - The Father's Testimony")), and finally, the very Scriptures they diligently studied ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Searching the Scriptures")). Despite this cumulative, irrefutable evidence, Jesus confronts their core issue: their volitional refusal to come to Him for life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience for Jesus' scathing rebuke in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Confrontation with Jewish Leaders") were primarily the Jewish religious leaders—Pharisees and Sadducees—who held significant authority and influence. They were meticulous in their adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions, believing that strict observance was the path to righteousness and eternal life. Their understanding of the Messiah was often nationalistic and political, expecting a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule, rather than a spiritual savior who would die for the sins of the world. Their legalistic framework led them to prioritize external rituals and human interpretations over the true spirit of the Law and the prophetic witness to Christ. They diligently "searched the Scriptures" ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")), believing that eternal life was contained within the texts themselves, rather than recognizing that the Scriptures pointed to a person—Jesus Christ. This cultural and religious predisposition created a profound spiritual blindness, preventing them from recognizing God's ultimate revelation standing directly before them.
* **Key Themes:** John 5:40 powerfully articulates several crucial themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **unwillingness to believe**, highlighting that the obstacle to receiving life is not an inability on God's part or a lack of evidence, but a deliberate, volitional refusal on the part of humanity. This emphasizes the critical role of human choice and free will in the process of salvation. Another central theme is **Jesus as the exclusive source of life**. Jesus unequivocally declares that true, eternal life is found *only* in Him, directly contrasting with the leaders' belief that life could be attained through adherence to the Law, religious rituals, or mere intellectual study of the Scriptures apart from Him. This aligns with Jesus' self-identification as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness**, where despite their diligent study of the Old Testament, which pointed to the Messiah, the religious leaders failed to recognize Him. Their pride, self-righteousness, and preconceived notions created a veil over their hearts, preventing them from seeing the truth that stood before them, as Jesus lamented in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word (G2309) signifies a determination, an active option from subjective impulse, or a choice. It denotes a deliberate desire or preference. In John 5:40, the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou'_) combined with _thélō'_ emphasizes a strong, volitional unwillingness on the part of the Jewish leaders. It is not that they *cannot* come, but that they *choose not* to come. This highlights a stubborn refusal rooted in their own will, rather than an inherent inability.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb (G2064) means "to come or go" and is used in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In this context, "come to me" is a figurative expression for believing in Jesus, trusting Him, and entering into a personal relationship with Him. It implies movement towards Him, an act of faith and submission, recognizing His authority and accepting His claims. It is the necessary action to receive the life He offers.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** This noun (G2222) refers to life, literally or figuratively. In the Gospel of John, _zōḗ'_ almost always refers to spiritual, eternal, and abundant life, rather than mere biological existence (_bios_). It is the divine life inherent in God and uniquely possessed and imparted by Jesus. This life is qualitatively different, characterized by fellowship with God, freedom from sin's dominion, and an eternal duration, beginning in the present and extending into eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye will not come to me":** This clause reveals the core issue: a volitional rejection of Jesus. The Greek verb for "will" (θέλετε, _thelete_) signifies a deliberate choice or desire. Jesus is not saying they are unable to come, but that they are unwilling. This unwillingness stems from their pride, their adherence to human traditions, and their refusal to acknowledge Jesus' divine authority and identity, despite the overwhelming evidence He has just presented. Their failure to "come" implies a refusal to believe, to trust, and to submit to Him as the Messiah and Son of God.
* **"that ye might have life":** This is a purpose clause, indicating the divine intention and the profound benefit offered by Jesus. The "life" (ζωή, _zoe_) Jesus offers is not merely physical existence, but spiritual, eternal, and abundant life—the very life of God. This life is available *only* through Him, underscoring His unique role as the source of salvation and spiritual vitality. Their refusal to come directly results in their forfeiture of this ultimate blessing, highlighting the tragic consequence of their unbelief.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:40 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the Jewish leaders diligently "search the Scriptures" ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")), believing they will find eternal life there, yet they fail to recognize that the very Scriptures testify about Jesus, the true source of that life. Their pursuit of life through the text leads them to reject the living embodiment of that life. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between their diligent efforts (searching the Scriptures) and their ultimate failure (unwillingness to come to Jesus). This highlights the futility of religious effort apart from a personal relationship with Christ. Finally, Jesus uses **Direct Address** ("ye will not come to me"), making a personal and confrontational statement that underscores the gravity of their choice and places the responsibility squarely on their shoulders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:40 stands as a stark theological declaration concerning the nature of salvation and human responsibility. It powerfully asserts that eternal life is not a reward for religious performance or intellectual assent to doctrine, but a gracious gift freely offered by Jesus Christ. The verse highlights the crucial role of human will in accepting or rejecting this divine offer. While God's sovereignty is paramount, this verse emphasizes that humanity's deliberate choice to resist or embrace Christ is a decisive factor in their eternal destiny. The Jewish leaders' tragic unwillingness to come to Jesus, despite all the evidence, serves as a timeless warning against pride, self-righteousness, and the danger of seeking life in anything other than the living Christ. It underscores that true spiritual life is found exclusively in a personal, believing relationship with Him.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"): "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem"): "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:40 serves as both a sobering warning and a profound invitation for every individual. It challenges us to deeply examine our own hearts and motivations for seeking God. Are we truly willing to come to Jesus on His terms, acknowledging Him as the sole source of life, or are there hidden resistances, pride, self-sufficiency, or misplaced trust in our own efforts, traditions, or intellectual understanding that prevent us from fully embracing Him? This verse reminds us that salvation and spiritual life are not earned through religious rituals, moral performance, or even diligent study of the Bible if that study does not ultimately lead to a personal, humble submission to Jesus Christ. The critical step is "coming to Him"—an act of faith, repentance, and surrender to His lordship. God honors human free will; while He graciously invites, He does not compel. The choice to receive eternal life through Christ remains a personal, deliberate, and moment-by-moment decision to walk in dependence upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting an "unwillingness to come" to Jesus, perhaps by relying on my own strength, understanding, or religious practices instead of Him?**
* **How might my "searching the Scriptures" or engaging in religious activities become an end in itself, rather than a means to deepen my relationship with the One the Scriptures reveal?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is truly willing to surrender to Jesus and receive the abundant life He offers?**

### FAQ
**Does John 5:40 mean that people are unable to come to Jesus, or that they simply choose not to?**

Answer: John 5:40 clearly emphasizes a volitional unwillingness, not an inability. The Greek word for "will" (θέλετε, _thelete_) denotes a deliberate choice or desire. Jesus is directly confronting the Jewish leaders' stubborn refusal to believe in Him, despite the overwhelming evidence He has presented (His works, the Father's testimony, the Scriptures, John the Baptist). He is not saying they lack the capacity to come, but that they lack the desire or willingness to humble themselves and embrace Him as the source of life. This aligns with other passages where Jesus laments the unwillingness of people to come to Him, such as when He says, "How often would I have gathered thy children together... and ye would not!" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")). The verse highlights human responsibility in responding to God's gracious invitation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:40, while a poignant indictment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the exclusive and sufficient source of eternal life, made accessible through His atoning work. The life that the Jewish leaders refused to come for is precisely the life that Jesus came to give through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He is not merely a prophet pointing to life, but "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), embodying and imparting the very essence of divine existence. His crucifixion and resurrection conquered sin and death, opening the path for all who "will" to come to Him by faith to receive this new, abundant, and eternal life. The unwillingness described in John 5:40 foreshadows the greater truth that salvation is not by human effort or merit, but a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Christ, whose finished work on the cross provides the only means by which humanity can truly "have life" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life"); [1 John 5:11-12](/1_john/5-11-12 "1 John 5:11-12 - God's Testimony About His Son")). Thus, the verse, while highlighting human resistance, ultimately magnifies Christ as the unique and indispensable giver of life, whose invitation remains open to all who choose to come.

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 3:19

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 1:11

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Matthew 23:37

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.