Witnesses to Jesus and Israel's Unbelief
John 5:31-47
John.5.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εαν: COND
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- μαρτυρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- περι: PREP
- εμαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m,1
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μαρτυρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αληθης·: ADJ,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (structural): Gives the Old Testament legal principle of 'two or three witnesses' that underlies Jesus' concern with corroborating testimony.
- Matthew 18:16 (structural): New Testament application of the same evidentiary rule ('by the testimony of two or three witnesses'), showing continuity in how testimony is evaluated.
- John 8:14 (verbal): An internal Johannine contrast—here Jesus elsewhere claims that even his self-testimony is true, creating a tension with the claim in John 5:31 about the insufficiency of self-witness.
- 1 John 5:9 (thematic): Emphasizes the theological theme that human testimony is inferior to God's testimony; supports John 5:31's distinction between self-witness and divine corroboration.
Alternative generated candidates
- If I bear witness about myself, my witness is not true.
- If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.
John.5.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μαρτυρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- περι: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- αληθης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μαρτυρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- μαρτυρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- περι: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- John 5:31 (structural): Immediate context: Jesus begins by noting that his own testimony alone would not suffice, setting up the claim that 'another' bears true witness about him.
- John 5:33-35 (quotation): Identifies the 'other' witness as John the Baptist and summarizes his testimony and role in bearing witness to Jesus.
- John 1:6-8,15,19-34 (thematic): The Johannine prologue and narrative of John the Baptist repeatedly present him as the one who testifies to Jesus' identity—paralleling John 5:32's claim about an external witness.
- John 8:17 (allusion): Jesus appeals to the Jewish legal principle that 'the testimony of two men is true,' echoing the concern with corroborating witnesses found in John 5's discussion of testimony.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (quotation): The OT law requiring the testimony of two or three witnesses provides the legal background for New Testament appeals to corroborating testimony (alluded to in John 5 and 8).
Alternative generated candidates
- There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the witness he bears about me is true.
- There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true.
John.5.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- απεσταλκατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- προς: PREP
- Ιωαννην: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μεμαρτυρηκε: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια·: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- John 1:6-8 (verbal): Introduces John the Baptist explicitly as a 'witness' who came to testify about the light—parallels the language and function of John as a truth-witness in 5:33.
- John 1:34 (verbal): John the Baptist's direct testimony identifying Jesus as 'the Son of God'—an example of the kind of truthful testimony Jesus cites in 5:33.
- John 5:36 (thematic): In the same discourse Jesus appeals to his works as a witness to him, extending the theme of multiple witnesses (John's testimony among them) to validate his identity.
- John 18:37 (thematic): Jesus states his mission 'to bear witness to the truth,' echoing the motif of testimony and truth that John the Baptist embodied and which Jesus invokes in 5:33.
Alternative generated candidates
- You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.
- You sent to John, and he bore witness to the truth.
John.5.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- παρα: PREP
- ανθρωπου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μαρτυριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λαμβανω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- σωθητε: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- John 5:31 (structural): Immediate discourse parallel: Jesus contrasts human/self-testimony with valid testimony—here denying reliance on human testimony, earlier noting that self-testimony would not be true.
- John 5:36 (verbal): Same pericope: Jesus appeals to his works as a superior witness from the Father, explaining why he does not depend on human testimony.
- John 3:17 (thematic): Shared salvific purpose language: Jesus' mission is framed not to condemn but that people might be saved—parallels John 5:34's explicit statement about speaking so that listeners might be saved.
- John 12:47 (thematic): Reiterates Jesus' intent in speaking: his words aim at salvation rather than condemnation, echoing the stated purpose in John 5:34.
- John 6:40 (thematic): Affirms the end of Jesus' revelation—belief in the Son leading to eternal life—closely related to the goal 'that ye might be saved' in John 5:34.
Alternative generated candidates
- I do not accept testimony from a human; yet I say these things so that you may be saved.
- I do not accept testimony from a man; nevertheless I say these things so that you may be saved.
John.5.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εκεινος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λυχνος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- καιομενος: PART,pres,mid/pass,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- φαινων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- ηθελησατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- αγαλλιαθηναι: VERB,aor,mid/pass,inf
- προς: PREP
- ωραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- φωτι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- αυτου·: PRON,gen,sg,3
Parallels
- John 1:8-9 (verbal): John is described as not the light but as a witness to the true Light that was coming — directly parallels 5:35’s lamp/witness language about John the Baptist.
- John 1:4-5 (verbal): The motif of light shining in the darkness echoes 5:35’s image of a burning and shining lamp, situating John’s witness within the Gospel’s broader light motif.
- John 1:29-34 (allusion): John’s testimony identifying Jesus (the Lamb/Chosen One) matches 5:35’s point that John acted as a bright, pointing witness to Christ.
- John 8:12 (thematic): Jesus’ self‑identification as the light of the world provides the theological contrast/background for calling John a lamp that shines temporarily toward that greater light.
- Isaiah 9:2 (thematic): The prophetic theme of light dawning on those who walked in darkness undergirds the Johannine light imagery applied to John’s witness in 5:35.
Alternative generated candidates
- He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a while to rejoice in his light.
- He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were willing to take pleasure in his light.
John.5.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μαρτυριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μειζω: ADJ,comp,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Ιωαννου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- εργα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- δεδωκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- τελειωσω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ποιω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- μαρτυρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- περι: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- απεσταλκεν: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- John 10:25 (verbal): Same language: ‘the works that I do… bear witness of me’—Jesus points to his deeds as direct testimony to his identity and mission.
- John 14:10 (thematic): Jesus explains that the Father who dwells in him does the works, linking his miracles/actions to the Father’s sending and authority.
- John 17:4 (quotation): ‘I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do’—same idea of a specific work the Father gave Jesus to complete.
- Matthew 11:4-5 (see Luke 7:22) (thematic): Jesus directs John’s disciples to ‘what you hear and see’ (healings, helps) as proof of his messianic identity—works as confirmatory testimony.
- Acts 10:38 (allusion): Describes Jesus as anointed by God ‘who went about doing good and healing… for God was with him,’ presenting his deeds as evidence of divine commissioning.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the testimony I have is greater than that of John. The works that the Father has given me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—these testify about me that the Father has sent me.
- But I have a witness greater than John; for the works that the Father has given me to accomplish—those very works that I do—bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
John.5.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πεμψας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εκεινος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- μεμαρτυρηκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- περι: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ουτε: CONJ
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- πωποτε: ADV
- ακηκοατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- ουτε: CONJ
- ειδος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εωρακατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- John 8:18 (verbal): Jesus again invokes the Father's witness: “I am one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me,” echoing the claim of the Father’s testimony in 5:37.
- John 5:31-36 (structural): Immediate context: the larger courtroom-like argument about witnesses (John the Baptist, works, the Father) frames 5:37 as part of Jesus’ claim that the Father Himself testifies about him.
- John 12:49-50 (thematic): Emphasizes that Jesus speaks what the Father commanded and that the Father is the source of Jesus’ testimony—parallel concern with the Father’s authority and witness to the Son.
- John 8:47 (thematic): Contrasts those who belong to God and ‘hear God’s words’ with those who do not—connects to 5:37’s assertion that the audience has never heard the Father’s voice nor seen his form.
- Hebrews 1:1-2 (allusion): Presents the Son as the definitive revelation after God ‘spoke’ by prophets—resonates with John’s emphasis that the Father has borne witness to the Son and with issues of divine voice/revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. You have never heard his voice, nor seen his form,
- And the Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form.
John.5.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- μενοντα: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- απεστειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εκεινος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- ου: PART,neg
- πιστευετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- John 8:31 (verbal): Uses the same language of 'abiding in my word' to define true discipleship; directly parallels John 5:38's charge that God's word does not remain in the hearers.
- John 8:43 (verbal): Jesus: 'Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot hear my word.' Mirrors John 5:38's assertion that they do not possess or receive the sender's word.
- John 8:47 (verbal): Declares that those from God hear God's words while others do not—echoes John 5:38's contrast between having God's word and failing to believe the one sent.
- John 5:24 (thematic): Immediately related context: hearing Jesus' word and believing the sender results in eternal life, presenting the positive counterpart to the lack described in John 5:38.
- John 14:23 (thematic): Links keeping/receiving Jesus' word with the indwelling presence of Father and Son ('we will make our home with him'), paralleling the theme of the word 'abiding' in a person.
Alternative generated candidates
- and you do not have his word dwelling in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.
- You do not have his word living in you, for you do not believe the one whom he sent.
John.5.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εραυνατε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- γραφας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- οτι: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δοκειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- αυταις: PRON,dat,pl,f
- ζωην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αιωνιον: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- εχειν·και: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εκειναι: PRON,nom,pl,f
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- μαρτυρουσαι: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,f
- περι: PREP
- εμου·: PRO,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- John 5:46 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same discourse: Jesus argues that Moses wrote about him, reinforcing the claim that Scripture bears witness to Jesus (directly connects 'the Scriptures testify about me').
- Luke 24:27 (thematic): After the resurrection Jesus explains 'beginning with Moses and all the Prophets' how the Scriptures speak about him—same theme that the Scriptures point to Christ.
- Luke 24:44 (thematic): Jesus tells the disciples that everything written 'about me' in the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled, echoing John 5:39's claim that Scripture testifies concerning him.
- 2 Timothy 3:15-16 (thematic): Paul asserts that the Scriptures lead to salvation and are God-breathed for teaching and instruction—relates to John 5:39's concern with Scripture, eternal life, and its purpose in revealing Christ.
- Acts 10:43 (thematic): Peter summarizes that 'all the prophets testify about him' and that belief in Jesus brings forgiveness—closely parallels John 5:39's statement that the Scriptures testify concerning Jesus and imply salvific consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you possess eternal life; and it is these that testify about me.
- You search the Scriptures, because you suppose that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.
John.5.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- θελετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ινα: CONJ
- ζωην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εχητε: VERB,pres,act,sub,2,pl
Parallels
- John 6:35 (thematic): Jesus as the Bread of Life invites people to come to him for spiritual sustenance—parallel theme of coming to Jesus to receive life.
- John 7:37 (verbal): Explicit invitation 'Come to me' (whoever thirsts) to receive life/refreshment, echoing the call in John 5:40 and the offer of life.
- John 10:9 (thematic): Jesus as the door: entering by him brings salvation and life—parallels the idea that coming to Jesus is the means to have life.
- John 14:6 (verbal): Jesus declares he is the way and that no one comes to the Father except through him, reinforcing the claim that coming to Jesus is necessary for life/relationship with God.
- Isaiah 55:1 (allusion): Prophetic invitation 'Come to the waters... buy wine and milk without money'—an Old Testament precedent for the motif of coming to receive life/abundant provision.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
- Yet you will not come to me that you may have life.
John.5.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- λαμβανω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- John 5:44 (verbal): Uses very similar language about receiving glory from others (δέχεσθε δόξαν ἀπ' ἀλλήλων) and contrasts human approval with the glory that comes from God.
- John 8:50 (verbal): Jesus explicitly disavows seeking his own glory (τὴν ἰδίαν δόξαν οὐ ζητῶ), echoing the refusal to take human praise in 5:41.
- John 7:18 (thematic): Contrasts seeking one’s own glory with seeking the glory of the one who sent him; thematically aligned with refusing human glory in 5:41.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul rejects seeking human approval (εἰ γὰρ ἔτι ἀνθρώπων ἠρέσκον), paralleling the principle of not receiving or pursuing glory from people.
- Matthew 6:1 (thematic): Jesus warns against performing righteous acts to be seen by others (to gain human praise), a parallel admonition to avoid seeking or accepting human glory.
Alternative generated candidates
- I do not accept glory from people.
- I do not receive glory from people.
John.5.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- εγνωκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αγαπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- John 8:42 (thematic): Jesus contrasts true relationship with God and love for him: 'If God were your Father, you would love me.' Echoes John 5:42's charge that they do not have God's love within them.
- 1 John 4:8 (verbal): Declares the essential nature of God—'God is love'—so lacking the love of God inside one indicates a broken or absent relation to God, directly illuminating John 5:42.
- 1 John 4:20 (thematic): States that profession of love for God is false when one hates a brother: this exposes an absence of God's love within a person, similar to Jesus' indictment in John 5:42.
- Romans 8:9 (structural): Speaks of inward possession of the Spirit as the mark of belonging to God; parallels John 5:42's concern with the inner condition—not having God's love 'in you' signals lack of true divine indwelling.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I know you: you do not have the love of God within you.
- But I know you—I know that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.
John.5.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- εληλυθα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πατρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- λαμβανετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- με·εαν: PRON,acc,1,sg+PART,cond
- αλλος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ελθη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ιδιω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- εκεινον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- λημψεσθε: VERB,fut,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- John 1:11 (verbal): Same theme and near-verbatim idea: Jesus 'came to his own, and his own received him not,' echoing rejection of the one who comes in the Father's name.
- John 5:46-47 (structural): Immediate Johannine context: Jesus argues that if they had believed Moses (who wrote about him) they would believe him—explaining why they reject the true envoy but accept others.
- John 7:18 (thematic): Contrast between one who speaks 'in his own behalf' and one sent by God; links authority/source of mission to acceptance or rejection by the audience.
- Matthew 24:5,24 (thematic): Prophetic warning that false christs and false prophets will arise and deceive many—parallels the idea that people will accept claimants who come in their own name rather than the true sent one.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
- I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
John.5.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πως: ADV
- δυνασθε: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- πιστευσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- παρ᾽αλληλων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl
- λαμβανοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μονου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- ζητειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- John 12:43 (verbal): Same Johannine charge: people ‘love the glory that comes from men’ rather than seeking the glory that comes from God—near verbal and thematic echo.
- John 5:41 (verbal): Immediate context in the same discourse: Jesus declares he does not receive glory from men, contrasting his posture with those who seek human praise (sets up v.44).
- Luke 16:15 (thematic): Jesus warns that people 'justify themselves before men' though God knows hearts, and that what is honored by men may be detested by God—theme of human approval vs. divine approval.
- Matthew 23:6–7 (thematic): Pharisaic love of places of honor and public greetings—parallel depiction of religious leaders seeking human recognition rather than God's honor.
Alternative generated candidates
- How can you believe, when you take glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one God?
- How can you believe, when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one God?
John.5.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- δοκειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- κατηγορησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πατερα·εστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κατηγορων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- Μωυσης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- ηλπικατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:26 (quotation): The law (the Book of the Law) is to be placed as a witness against Israel — directly parallels Jesus' claim that Moses (and the Law he wrote) will accuse them.
- Deuteronomy 18:15-19 (allusion): Moses speaks of a future prophet like himself and warns that failure to listen will bring punishment — connects the authority of Moses and the accountability tied to his words.
- John 5:46 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same argument: Jesus states that if they believed Moses they would believe him, because 'he wrote of me' — directly links Moses' testimony to Jesus.
- John 5:39 (thematic): Jesus tells them the Scriptures (which include Moses' writings) bear witness about him, yet they search them seeking life while missing the testimony — echoes the charge that Moses accuses them.
- Acts 3:22-23 (quotation): Peter cites Deuteronomy's promise of 'a prophet like Moses' and the warning that not listening to that prophet brings judgment — early apostolic use of Moses' words as a basis for accountability regarding Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not think that I will bear witness about you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
- Do not suppose that I will accuse you before the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
John.5.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γαρ: PART
- επιστευετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- Μωυσει: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- επιστευετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- αν: PART
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- περι: PREP
- γαρ: PART
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εκεινος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εγραψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 18:15 (quotation): Moses speaks of 'a prophet like me' whom God will raise up—an explicit OT promise that Jesus and the NT present as something Moses 'wrote' about.
- John 5:39 (verbal): Jesus: 'These are the Scriptures that testify about me'—directly parallels the claim that Moses wrote concerning Jesus.
- Luke 24:27 (thematic): On the Emmaus road Jesus explains 'in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself,' showing that Moses and the Prophets point to him.
- Luke 24:44 (verbal): Jesus: 'Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled'—a close parallel to 'Moses wrote about me.'
- John 1:45 (quotation): Philip: 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote'—an explicit NT echo of Jesus' statement that Moses wrote about him.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if you believed Moses you would believe me; for he wrote about me.
- For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me.
John.5.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εκεινου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- γραμμασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,neut
- ου: PART,neg
- πιστευετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- πως: ADV
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εμοις: POS,dat,pl,neut
- ρημασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,neut
- πιστευσετε: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- John 5:46 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same argument: Jesus says that if they had believed Moses they would believe him, since Moses wrote about him—same claim that the Mosaic writings point to Jesus.
- John 5:39-40 (verbal): Close context: Jesus charges them for searching the Scriptures (the writings of Moses and the Prophets) which testify about him, yet refusing to come to him for life—same theme and language.
- Luke 24:27 (thematic): After the resurrection Jesus ‘interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,’ echoing the claim that Moses’ writings testify about Christ.
- Luke 16:31 (thematic): Parallelling logic: If people will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even by extraordinary signs—similar appeal to the authority of Mosaic writings as decisive.
- John 3:14-15 (allusion): Jesus appeals to an episode in Moses (the bronze serpent) as a typological foreshadowing of himself—an example of how Moses’ actions/writings point forward to Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?
- If you do not believe the Scriptures, how will you believe my words?
If I bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.
There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true.
You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.
Not that I accept testimony from man; but I say these things so that you may be saved.
He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a time you were willing to rejoice in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form.
You do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent.
You search the Scriptures because you suppose that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.
Yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.
I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust.
For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?