John 5:44

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

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}?

How can you trust? Youโ€™re busy collecting praise from each other, instead of seeking praise from God only.

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

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

Commentary

In John 5:44, Jesus challenges the spiritual blindness of those who reject Him, pinpointing their desire for human approval as a primary obstacle to faith. He questions how they can truly believe when their focus is on receiving "honour one of another" rather than seeking the "honour that cometh from God only."

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extended discourse with the Jewish leaders following His healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18). Their anger over the Sabbath healing escalated when Jesus declared His equality with God (John 5:19-30). Jesus then presents various witnesses to His identity, including John the Baptist, His own works, the Father, and the Scriptures. In verse 44, He exposes the root cause of their unbelief: their misplaced priorities and love for human praise.

Key Themes

  • The Obstacle of Human Approval: Jesus highlights that seeking applause, recognition, or validation from fellow human beings ("honour one of another") creates a significant barrier to genuine faith. This desire for social standing or peer acceptance can prevent individuals from embracing divine truth, especially when it challenges their established norms or reputation.
  • Divine vs. Human Honor: The verse draws a sharp contrast between fleeting human praise and the enduring, eternal "honour that cometh from God only." True belief and spiritual discernment require a shift in focus, valuing God's commendation and approval above all earthly accolades.
  • Spiritual Blindness and Unbelief: Jesus implies that a heart preoccupied with pleasing people cannot truly see or accept God's revelation. This spiritual blindness, caused by misdirected ambition, prevents them from recognizing the Messiah despite overwhelming evidence, leading to their continued unbelief.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "honour" is doxa (ฮดฯŒฮพฮฑ), which carries a rich meaning encompassing "glory," "praise," "reputation," or "opinion." In this context, it refers to the esteem or good opinion that people receive from one another. By contrasting this with the "honour that cometh from God only," Jesus underscores that while human praise is superficial and temporary, God's approval is ultimate and eternal. The word for "believe" (pisteuo) indicates a profound trust and commitment, which is hindered by the pursuit of human glory.

Practical Application

John 5:44 offers a timeless challenge for believers today. In a world saturated with social media and the constant pursuit of external validation, this verse prompts us to examine our own hearts: What truly motivates our actions and decisions? Are we more concerned with gaining likes, followers, or the approval of our peers, or with living a life that genuinely pleases God? Genuine faith calls for humility and a singular focus on God's glory and His commendation. Prioritizing God's approval frees us from the fluctuating opinions of others and enables us to truly follow Christ, knowing that His judgment is the only one that ultimately matters.

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Cross-References

  • John 12:43 (19 votes)

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

  • Romans 2:29 (14 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Matthew 23:5 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:7 (7 votes)

    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: