John 5:44

KJV

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G4459} can {G1410} ye {G5210} believe {G4100}, which receive {G2983} honour {G1391} one of another {G3844}{G240}, and {G2532} seek {G2212} not {G3756} the honour {G1391} that cometh from {G3844} God {G2316} only {G3441}?

Complete Jewish Bible

How can you trust? You’re busy collecting praise from each other, instead of seeking praise from God only.

Berean Standard Bible

How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

American Standard Version

How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 5:44, Jesus confronts the religious leaders, exposing the profound spiritual impediment to their belief: their insatiable desire for human validation and praise. He poses a piercing rhetorical question, highlighting the inherent contradiction in their pursuit of fleeting honor from one another while simultaneously neglecting or outright rejecting the singular, eternal honor that originates solely from God. This verse serves as a critical diagnostic, revealing how misplaced priorities and a love for worldly acclaim can fundamentally obstruct genuine faith and recognition of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 5:44 is situated within a pivotal and escalating confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. The chapter begins with Jesus healing a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, an act that immediately draws the ire of the Jewish leaders who accuse Him of breaking the Law ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "Jesus Heals the Paralytic at Bethesda")). Their anger intensifies when Jesus defends His actions by declaring His equality with God, stating, "My Father is working until now, and I am working" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "Jesus' Claim of Equality with God")). This claim leads them to seek to kill Him ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus")). Jesus then delivers an extended discourse on His divine authority, His relationship with the Father, and the various witnesses to His identity—including John the Baptist, His own miraculous works, the Father's testimony, and the Scriptures themselves ([John 5:19-47](/john/5-19-47 "Jesus' Authority and Witnesses")). Verse 44 specifically addresses the root cause of their unbelief, concluding this section of His argument by unmasking their spiritual blindness as a consequence of their misplaced affections and priorities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly its religious leadership, placed a high value on reputation, social standing, and the approval of peers. Honor and shame were powerful cultural currencies, deeply influencing social interactions and religious practice. Rabbis and religious teachers often sought recognition and prestige within their communities, and public displays of piety were common. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their meticulous adherence to external rituals and their desire for public acclaim ([Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Jesus Teaches About Hypocritical Piety")). In this context, Jesus' challenge in John 5:44 directly confronts this cultural norm, suggesting that the pursuit of human "honor" (δόξα, _dóxa_, glory or reputation) was not merely a social preference but a spiritual obstacle. The "honour that cometh from God only" would have been understood as divine commendation, approval, and the glory that God bestows, which often ran contrary to human expectations and social status.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Unbelief**, revealing that the Jewish leaders' failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah was not due to a lack of evidence, but a fundamental spiritual inability rooted in their desires. Their preoccupation with human praise prevented them from seeing or accepting divine truth, despite the overwhelming testimony presented by Jesus ([John 5:31-47](/john/5-31-47 "Jesus' Witnesses")). Secondly, it highlights the stark **Contrast Between Divine and Human Values**. Jesus consistently elevates God's glory and truth above human traditions, opinions, or accolades. The pursuit of "honor one of another" represents a worldly value system that is antithetical to genuine faith, which demands a singular focus on God's approval ([John 12:42-43](/john/12-42-43 "Many Believe But Do Not Confess")). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **True Discipleship and Motivation**, implying that authentic faith is characterized by a humble desire for God's commendation rather than worldly recognition. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that pleasing God should be the ultimate aim of a believer's life ([Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Seeking to Please God, Not Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, Jesus is questioning the very possibility of genuine, saving faith. It's not merely intellectual assent, but a profound trust and commitment to Him as the Son of God, which is rendered impossible by their conflicting motivations.
* **honour (Greek, _dóxa_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." This word appears twice in the verse, creating a powerful antithesis. The first "honour" refers to the esteem, reputation, or praise sought from fellow human beings. The second "honour" refers to the divine commendation, approval, and glory that originates from God Himself. Jesus highlights that the pursuit of the former directly hinders the reception of the latter.
* **seek (Greek, _zētéō_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." Here, it denotes an active, intentional pursuit or desire. The Jewish leaders were actively _seeking_ human praise, and this active pursuit was diametrically opposed to _not seeking_ the honor from God. This reveals a fundamental misdirection of their spiritual ambition and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How can ye believe,"**: This is a rhetorical question that functions as a strong indictment. Jesus is not asking for information but expressing the impossibility of their belief given their current spiritual state. It implies that their inability to believe is not a matter of intellectual deficiency but a moral and spiritual one, rooted in their will and desires.
* **"which receive honour one of another,"**: This clause identifies the core problem. The Jewish leaders were preoccupied with gaining social standing, reputation, and validation from their peers. The word "receive" (G2983, _lambánō_) suggests an active acceptance or acquisition of this human praise. This pursuit of human approval became their primary motivation, eclipsing any desire for divine truth.
* **"and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"**: This second clause completes the antithesis, revealing the consequence of their misplaced priorities. Their active pursuit of human honor led to a neglect—a failure to "seek" (G2212, _zētéō_)—the honor that originates exclusively "from God only." The phrase "from God only" (G3844 _pará_ G2316 _theós_ G3441 _mónos_) emphasizes the singular, unique source of true and lasting honor, contrasting it sharply with the multiple, fleeting sources of human praise. Their spiritual ambition was fundamentally misdirected.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:44 employs several potent literary devices to convey Jesus' profound challenge. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("How can ye believe...?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but to underscore the absurdity and impossibility of their position. It serves as a direct accusation, highlighting the logical contradiction in their spiritual priorities. Secondly, there is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between "honour one of another" and "the honour that cometh from God only." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the two mutually exclusive paths of motivation and the spiritual consequences of choosing one over the other. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the active "receive honour one of another" is directly contrasted with the passive "seek not the honour that cometh from God only," illustrating a fundamental misdirection of desire and effort. This use of contrast and rhetorical questioning serves to expose the spiritual hypocrisy and self-deception of Jesus' interlocutors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:44 profoundly articulates a foundational theological truth: the human heart's orientation profoundly impacts its capacity for faith. When the pursuit of human approval, recognition, or social standing becomes the primary motivator, it erects an impenetrable barrier to genuine belief in God and His Son. This is because true faith demands a humble submission to God's authority and a singular desire for His commendation, which often runs counter to worldly values and expectations. The honor that comes from God is not predicated on outward appearances or popular opinion, but on a heart fully devoted to Him, willing to embrace truth even if it means sacrificing human praise. This verse thus serves as a timeless warning against the idolatry of self-esteem and the opinions of others, asserting that genuine spiritual discernment flows from a heart singularly focused on God's glory.

* [John 12:42-43](/john/12-42-43 "John 12:42-43 - The Fear of Man")
* [Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision and Praise")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Seeking to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:44 challenges us to deeply examine the hidden motivations of our hearts. In an age saturated with social media and the relentless pursuit of external validation, Jesus' words resonate with striking relevance. Are our actions, decisions, and even our spiritual pursuits primarily driven by a desire for "likes," followers, public acclaim, or the approval of our peers and communities? Or is our deepest longing to hear the "well done, good and faithful servant" from God alone? True faith demands a radical reorientation of our desires, shifting our focus from the fleeting applause of humanity to the enduring commendation of our Creator. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound humility, recognizing that God's perspective is the only one that truly matters, and His honor is the only one worth seeking. When we prioritize God's approval, we are liberated from the tyranny of human opinion, enabling us to live authentically, courageously, and obediently, regardless of popular sentiment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of "honor" or validation that I seek in my daily life?**
* **How might my desire for human approval be hindering my ability to fully trust and obey God, especially when His call conflicts with societal expectations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to reorient my heart to more consistently seek the "honour that cometh from God only"?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to prioritizing human praise over divine commendation?**

### FAQ
**Why is seeking human honor an obstacle to faith?**

Answer: Seeking human honor becomes an obstacle to faith because it fundamentally misdirects our ultimate allegiance and trust. Genuine faith requires a humble submission to God's truth and a willingness to follow Christ, even when it means sacrificing social standing, reputation, or the approval of others. When our primary motivation is to gain praise from people, we become beholden to their expectations and opinions, rather than God's will. This can lead to compromising biblical principles, avoiding difficult truths, or valuing superficial piety over authentic devotion. Jesus explicitly states that "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")), and this principle extends to the master of human opinion versus the Master of the universe. The desire for human praise can blind us to divine revelation, as our hearts are preoccupied with pleasing people rather than discerning and embracing God's truth.

**What does "the honour that cometh from God only" mean?**

Answer: "The honour that cometh from God only" refers to divine commendation, approval, and the glory that God Himself bestows upon those who truly believe and live according to His will. Unlike human honor, which is often superficial, temporary, and based on external appearances or achievements, God's honor is eternal, profound, and based on the true state of the heart and genuine faith. It signifies being found righteous and pleasing in His sight, receiving His "well done" ([Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")). This honor is not something we earn through our own efforts or public displays, but a gift of grace received through faith in Christ and a life lived in humble obedience to God. It is the ultimate validation, far surpassing any earthly accolade.

**How does this verse apply to modern believers?**

Answer: John 5:44 holds immense relevance for believers today, particularly in a culture driven by external validation and social media. It challenges us to scrutinize our motivations: Are we more concerned with our online image, the number of "likes" or "followers," or the approval of our social circles than with living a life that genuinely pleases God? This verse calls us to prioritize God's eternal commendation over fleeting human praise. It encourages us to cultivate humility, to be willing to stand for truth even when it's unpopular, and to find our ultimate identity and worth in Christ alone, rather than in the shifting sands of public opinion. It reminds us that true spiritual freedom comes from being unburdened by the need for human applause, allowing us to wholeheartedly pursue God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:44, while a stinging rebuke to the unbelieving Jewish leaders, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of one who sought "the honour that cometh from God only." Throughout His earthly ministry, He consistently demonstrated a singular focus on glorifying His Father, declaring, "I seek not mine own glory" ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks God's Glory")). He did not shy away from truth, even when it led to rejection and scorn from those who valued human praise above divine revelation. His willingness to endure the cross, despising its shame, was motivated by obedience to the Father and the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly exemplified what it means to live solely for God's glory, thereby earning the ultimate honor from the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalts Christ")). Moreover, through faith in Christ, believers are invited to share in this divine honor. We are called to be imitators of Christ, forsaking the pursuit of human glory and instead seeking the "praise from God" that is bestowed upon those who are truly His ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Praise from God")). Jesus, therefore, not only exposes the spiritual blindness caused by human pride but also provides the perfect model and the means by which we can truly receive the honor that comes from God alone.

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 12:43

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: