Devine Scripture

John 20:31

What does John 20:31 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:31 means

John explicitly declares the ultimate purpose for writing his Gospel: "but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name." This verse encapsulates the evangelistic and theological aim of the entire book. It's a clear call to faith, stating that belief in Jesus' true identity—Messiah and divine Son—leads to eternal life. This verse serves as a powerful summary and invitation to every reader.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But these are recorded, so that you may have faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, having this faith you may have life in his name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and these have been written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in his name.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but these are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son ofGod, and that believing ye might have life in his name.

Context

This verse serves as the grand conclusion to John's Gospel, explicitly stating the author's purpose. It builds directly on the preceding verse's acknowledgment of selective reporting, revealing the overarching intent behind all the recorded signs and teachings. This purposeful statement provides a fitting theological capstone to the resurrection narrative and the entire book, inviting readers to faith.

v.30Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book:

v.31This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 6:40

    For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • John 3:18

    He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.

  • Psalms 2:12

    Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.

  • John 3:36

    He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • John 9:35

    Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and finding him, he said, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

  • John 3:15

    that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life.

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