John 5:31
What does John 5:31 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:31 means
“If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” Jesus acknowledges the legal principle that self-testimony alone is insufficient. He condescends to meet His opponents on their terms, not because His word lacks inherent truth, but to show that God has provided ample external confirmation. This humility demonstrates fairness and invites honest inquiry. He will therefore appeal to “another” witness and more. The point is not to undermine His authority but to establish it beyond dispute. Jesus meets the standards of credible testimony, revealing that unbelief is not due to lack of evidence but to heart resistance against the implications of His claims.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If I gave witness about myself, my witness would not be true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not true;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If I bear witness concerning myself, my witness is not true.
Context
Concluding the section on judgment and dependence (verse 30), Jesus turns to the question of witness. Verse 31 introduces the need for corroboration according to accepted legal norms. He will immediately point to “another” who bears true witness (verse 32), then to John the Baptist (verses 33–35), to His works (verse 36), to the Father (verse 37), and to the Scriptures (verses 39–47). This sequence functions like a courtroom presentation, addressing the leaders’ skepticism. It also links back to the earlier narrative, where witness to the healing led to controversy (verses 15–16). Now Jesus supplies a fuller, multi-faceted testimony to His identity and mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 8:13
The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest witness of thyself; thy witness is not true.
- Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.
- John 8:54
Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God;
- Revelation 3:14
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
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