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John 5:36

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But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

But {G1161} I {G1473} have {G2192} greater {G3187} witness {G3141} than that of John {G2491}: for {G1063} the works {G2041} which {G3739} the Father {G3962} hath given {G1325} me {G3427} to {G2443} finish {G5048}{G846}, the same {G846} works {G2041} that {G3739} I {G1473} do {G4160}, bear witness {G3140} of {G4012} me {G1700}, that {G3754} the Father {G3962} hath sent {G649} me {G3165}.

“But I have a testimony that is greater than Yochanan’s. For the things the Father has given me to do, the very things I am doing now, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.

But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

Commentary

This verse is part of Jesus' powerful discourse in John chapter 5, where He defends His actions (healing on the Sabbath) and claims of divine authority against the accusations of the Jewish leaders. Having just mentioned the witness of John the Baptist, Jesus now points to an even greater testimony.

Context

In John 5:31-35, Jesus discusses the witness of John the Baptist, acknowledging its truth but stating He does not rely solely on human testimony. He then transitions to a superior witness – the works given to Him by the Father. This entire passage (John 5:19-47) is a crucial explanation by Jesus of His relationship with the Father and the various forms of witness that validate His identity and mission.

Key Themes

  • The Superior Witness: Jesus asserts that His works provide a more powerful and undeniable testimony to His divine origin than even the respected witness of John the Baptist.
  • The Works of Jesus: The "works" (Greek: erga) refer not just to miracles, but to all of Jesus' actions, teachings, and the entire scope of His ministry. These works were specifically "given" by the Father for Jesus to "finish."
  • Divine Commission: The nature and power of Jesus' works serve as irrefutable proof that He was genuinely sent by God the Father. His actions demonstrate God's presence and power working through Him.
  • Validation of Identity: The works authenticate Jesus' claims about Himself, particularly His unique relationship with the Father and His authority.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "works" is erga (ἔργα) in Greek. While it includes miraculous signs, it encompasses everything Jesus did that manifested God's power, purpose, and character. The word "witness" is martyria (μαρτυρία), which is a key theme throughout this chapter, emphasizing testimony and proof. Jesus' erga are His martyria from the Father.

Reflection

Jesus' works were not random acts but were purposeful demonstrations of God's plan and power, designed to bear witness to His identity as the Son sent by the Father. Just as Jesus' actions testified to who He was, the actions of believers should similarly testify to the reality of Christ living within them, pointing others to the One who sent His Son into the world. Consider how your life and actions might serve as a witness for Christ today.

This verse emphasizes that God provides ample evidence for those willing to see and believe, primarily through the undeniable impact and divine nature of Jesus' entire ministry and ultimately, His finished work on the cross. For more on Jesus' completed work, see John 19:30.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 10:25 (12 votes)

    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.

  • John 15:24 (7 votes)

    If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

  • John 10:37 (7 votes)

    If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

  • John 10:38 (7 votes)

    But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father [is] in me, and I in him.

  • John 2:23 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

  • John 9:30 (6 votes)

    The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.

  • John 9:33 (6 votes)

    If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.