1 John 5:7 Meaning and Explanation
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit give one united witness, and that witness is true.
The Context of 1 John 5:7
John has been gathering the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God, and is about to say that the witness of God is greater than the witness of men (verse 9). This verse lifts that testimony to its highest source: heaven itself.
What Does 1 John 5:7 Mean?
In a court, a matter is established by the agreement of witnesses, and John has been building exactly such a case for who Jesus is. Here he names the highest witnesses of all, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, all bearing record together. These three form one harmony, three who 'are one,' perfectly agreed in what they declare about the Son, with no rival voice among them. The whole of God stands behind the truth that Jesus is the Christ.
There is deep comfort in this unity. The Father who sent Him, the Son who came, and the Spirit who fills His people all speak with one voice, and they say the same thing: this is My beloved Son, hear Him. When we trust Jesus, we are resting on the united testimony of God Himself, far from a doubtful or lonely claim. There is no firmer ground on which to stand.
1 John 5:7 in the Original Language
martyreō (μαρτυρέω), 'bear record' -- to testify, to give witness, to declare what one knows to be true.
How to Apply 1 John 5:7 Today
When our faith feels like a solitary leap, this verse reminds us that the testimony of Jesus rests on the agreement of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. We rest on the united witness of God, the surest ground there is, far more than a lone voice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 John 5:7
What does 1 John 5:7 mean?
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit give one united witness, and that witness is true.
What is the context of 1 John 5:7?
John has been gathering the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God, and is about to say that the witness of God is greater than the witness of men (verse 9). This verse lifts that testimony to its highest source: heaven itself.
How can I apply 1 John 5:7 today?
When our faith feels like a solitary leap, this verse reminds us that the testimony of Jesus rests on the agreement of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. We rest on the united witness of God, the surest ground there is, far more than a lone voice.