John 5:43

KJV

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am {G1473} come {G2064} in {G1722} my {G3450} Father's {G3962} name {G3686}, and {G2532} ye receive {G2983} me {G3165} not {G3756}: if {G1437} another {G243} shall come {G2064} in {G1722} his own {G2398} name {G3686}, him {G1565} ye will receive {G2983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t accept me; if someone else comes in his own name, him you will accept.

Berean Standard Bible

I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.

American Standard Version

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:43 encapsulates Jesus' poignant lament over the spiritual recalcitrance of the Jewish leadership and people, who, despite overwhelming evidence of His divine commission, rejected Him. This verse starkly contrasts Jesus' mission, which was entirely authorized by and reflective of His Father's character, with the self-serving motives of future deceivers whom the people would readily embrace. It highlights a profound spiritual blindness that preferred human validation and self-aggrandizement over divine truth and genuine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is embedded within a broader discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John Chapter 5 - Jesus' Authority and Rejection") where Jesus defends His actions and claims of divine authority following the healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "Healing at the Pool of Bethesda")). His act of healing on the Sabbath, coupled with His subsequent claim of equality with God ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "Jesus Claims Equality with God")), incited intense opposition from the Jewish authorities, who sought to kill Him. In this extended defense, Jesus consistently emphasizes His unique relationship with the Father, asserting that He does nothing of His own accord but only what He sees the Father doing ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "Jesus' Dependence on the Father")), and that His ultimate aim is not His own glory but the glory of the One who sent Him ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "Jesus Seeks God's Glory")). Verse 43 serves as a climactic indictment, revealing the core reason for their rejection: a preference for human glory over divine glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was marked by diverse expectations concerning the Messiah, often colored by nationalistic fervor and a desire for political liberation from Roman rule. Many religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, adhered to a rigid interpretation of the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, which sometimes overshadowed the spirit of the law and true spiritual understanding. The concept of "name" (Hebrew: *shem*, Greek: *onoma*) in this culture carried profound weight, signifying not just a label but the very character, authority, and reputation of the person or entity it represented. To come "in the name of" someone was to act as their authorized representative, embodying their essence. Jesus' claim to come "in my Father's name" was a direct assertion of His divine authority and identity as God's true emissary, a claim that challenged their established religious hierarchy and their own understanding of God's will. Their rejection stemmed from a spiritual pride and a deep-seated misunderstanding of the Messiah's true nature, leading them to seek signs and wonders that conformed to their preconceived notions rather than humbly receiving the truth.
* **Key Themes:** John 5:43 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. One prominent theme is **Divine Authority vs. Human Ambition**. Jesus' legitimacy and mission are entirely derived from His Father; He operates under divine commission, seeking only God's glory. In stark contrast, "another" will come seeking personal glory and human adulation, appealing to worldly desires rather than divine truth. This underscores the fundamental difference between true spiritual leadership and false pretenders, a theme echoed in Jesus' warnings about false prophets in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Beware of False Prophets"). Another crucial theme is **The Paradox of Rejection**. Despite undeniable evidence of His identity through miracles, fulfilled prophecies, and divine testimony, Jesus, the true Messiah, was rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own")). This rejection often stemmed from spiritual pride, a misunderstanding of the Messiah's role, and a preference for human traditions over God's truth. Finally, the verse highlights **Vulnerability to Deception**. The chilling prophecy, "if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive," serves as a profound warning: people who reject divine truth become susceptible to false teachers and messiahs who appeal to their self-interest or nationalistic fervor. This foreshadows the rise of many imposters throughout history and even the ultimate "man of lawlessness" or Antichrist figure, as described in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-10](/2_thessalonians/2-3-10 "The Man of Lawlessness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb signifies more than mere physical arrival; it denotes a purposeful coming, a divine mission. Jesus' "coming" is an incarnation, an entry into the world as God's appointed representative. The contrast is with "another" who also "comes," but their arrival is driven by self-will rather than divine sending.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma_):** Far beyond a simple label, "name" here encapsulates the authority, character, and very essence of the Father. To come "in my Father's name" means to act as His fully authorized agent, embodying His nature and fulfilling His will. Conversely, to come "in his own name" signifies acting on one's own initiative, for personal gain, and without divine authorization, seeking self-glory rather than God's glory.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** This verb implies an active taking, an embrace, or an acceptance. The Jewish leaders' failure to "receive" Jesus was not a passive oversight but an active rejection of His claims and person. The irony is that they would actively "receive" someone who came on their own authority, indicating a preference for human-centered leadership over God-sent truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am come in my Father's name,"**: Jesus asserts His divine origin and authority. His entire mission, message, and miraculous works are not self-initiated but are a direct representation and fulfillment of His Father's will and character. He is the Father's authorized ambassador, embodying His very essence and purpose.
* **"and ye receive me not:"**: This is a direct indictment of the Jewish leaders and, by extension, the people. Despite the clear evidence of His divine identity and mission—including miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and His own testimony—they actively rejected Him. Their rejection stemmed from spiritual blindness, a misunderstanding of the Messiah's true nature, and a preference for their own traditions and human glory over divine truth.
* **"if another shall come in his own name,"**: This clause introduces a prophetic warning. Jesus predicts that someone else, acting on their own authority and seeking their own glory, will appear. This "another" is not divinely sent but self-appointed, driven by personal ambition and appealing to human desires.
* **"him ye will receive."**: This is the chilling paradox. The very people who rejected the authentic, divinely authorized Messiah would readily embrace an imposter who appealed to their carnal desires, nationalistic aspirations, or self-interest. This highlights their spiritual discernment failure and their susceptibility to deception when truth challenges their preconceived notions or personal agendas.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Contrast**, setting Jesus' divinely authorized mission ("in my Father's name") against the self-serving ambition of future deceivers ("in his own name"). This contrast illuminates the fundamental difference between true spiritual authority and false pretension. There is significant **Irony** in the fact that the religious leaders, who claimed to be zealous for God, would reject His true Son while being open to those who came without divine sanction. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, predicting the rise of false messiahs and teachers who would exploit the spiritual vacuum created by the rejection of Christ. This prophetic element serves as a timeless warning about the nature of deception and the importance of spiritual discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:43 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine authority versus human autonomy and the tragic consequences of rejecting God's truth. It underscores the principle that true authority always flows from God and seeks His glory, whereas false authority originates from human ambition and seeks self-aggrandizement. The rejection of Jesus, who perfectly embodied the Father's will, reveals a spiritual condition where people prioritize their own understanding, traditions, or worldly desires over divine revelation. This spiritual blindness makes them susceptible to deception, as they become inclined to embrace anyone who validates their existing biases or offers a path to human glory, even if it contradicts divine truth. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, warning believers to cultivate discernment and remain rooted in God's Word to avoid falling prey to false teachings.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "How to Discern a False Prophet")
* [Matthew 24:23-24](/matthew/24-23-24 "Jesus' Warning About False Christs and Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:43 stands as a timeless warning and a call to profound spiritual introspection for every believer. It compels us to examine the source of the messages we receive and the leaders we follow. Are we discerning between those who genuinely come "in the Father's name," seeking His glory and faithfully proclaiming His Word, and those who come "in their own name," seeking personal fame, power, or financial gain? This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit and a thorough grounding in Scripture, enabling us to test all teachings and spirits ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")) against the unchanging truth of God's revelation. It reminds us that popularity, charisma, or promises of worldly success are not indicators of divine authenticity. Instead, true spiritual authority is characterized by humility, faithfulness to God's Word, and a singular focus on glorifying Christ. We must beware of the human tendency to embrace what validates our desires rather than what challenges us to conform to God's will, ensuring that our hearts are open to receive Jesus, the one true Messiah, in all His divine authority and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to rejecting divine truth when it challenges my preconceived notions or personal desires?**
* **How can I better cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize those who come "in their own name" versus those who truly represent Christ?**
* **What are some contemporary examples of leaders or teachings that seem to come "in their own name," appealing to self-interest rather than God's glory?**
* **How does my willingness to receive Jesus, who came in His Father's name, impact my daily life and my walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "another" Jesus refers to in John 5:43?**

Answer: The "another" (Greek: *állos*) in [John 5:43](/john/5-43 "John 5:43 - Jesus' Rejection and Prophecy") has been interpreted in several ways, all pointing to false figures who would emerge. Historically, it could refer to various false messiahs and self-proclaimed prophets who arose in Judea before and after Jesus' time (e.g., Theudas, Judas the Galilean, Bar Kokhba). Theologically, it broadly encompasses any individual or movement that operates under their own authority, seeking personal glory rather than God's. Ultimately, it foreshadows the Antichrist, the "man of lawlessness" ([2 Thessalonians 2:3-10](/2_thessalonians/2-3-10 "The Man of Lawlessness")), who will come with great deception and be received by those who have rejected the truth. So, "another" refers to a pattern of false leaders, culminating in the ultimate deceiver.

**Why would the people receive "another" but not Jesus?**

Answer: Jesus' statement highlights a tragic spiritual paradox rooted in the human condition. The Jewish leaders and many people rejected Jesus because His message and person challenged their deeply ingrained religious traditions, their nationalistic expectations of a conquering Messiah, and their own positions of power and prestige. Jesus came in humility, preaching repentance and a spiritual kingdom, which did not align with their worldly aspirations. Conversely, "another" who comes "in his own name" would likely appeal to these very desires—promising political liberation, personal glory, or a more convenient path to righteousness. Such a figure would validate their existing biases and self-interest, making them more receptive to deception than to the challenging truth offered by Jesus, who sought only the Father's glory ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "Jesus Seeks God's Glory")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [John 5:43](/john/5-43 "John 5:43 - Jesus' Rejection and Prophecy") serves as a stark warning about the rejection of truth and susceptibility to deception, it ultimately underscores the unique and indispensable identity of Jesus Christ. He alone came "in His Father's name," embodying the fullness of divine authority, character, and purpose. Unlike any other, Jesus did not seek His own glory but perfectly glorified the Father, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. His rejection by many in His own time tragically paved the way for the cross, which, paradoxically, became the ultimate demonstration of His divine love and obedience. The fulfillment for believers today lies in actively receiving this Jesus, the one true Messiah, whose name is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "The Exaltation of Jesus' Name")). It is through faith in Him, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), that we find salvation, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in No Other Name")). Thus, this verse, by highlighting the tragic choice of rejection, implicitly calls us to embrace the unparalleled truth and life found only in Christ.

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 10:25

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

Matthew 24:5

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

John 17:4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

Hebrews 5:4

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

Hebrews 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.