1 John 5:9 Meaning and Explanation
“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If we accept human testimony, God's witness is greater, and He has testified concerning His Son.
What Does 1 John 5:9 Mean?
John reasons from the lesser to the greater. If we accept the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. And this greater witness is what God has testified concerning His Son.
We trust human testimony every day; how much more should we trust God's own witness. God Himself has testified about Jesus, and no testimony could be more reliable. John urges his readers to receive this divine witness with full confidence. To doubt it would be to value the word of men above the word of God. The Father has spoken concerning His Son, and that testimony is the surest foundation for faith.
1 John 5:9 in the Original Language
martyria (μαρτυρία), 'witness' -- the testimony given, here God's own testimony concerning His Son, greater than any human word.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 John 5:9
What does 1 John 5:9 mean?
If we accept human testimony, God's witness is greater, and He has testified concerning His Son.