John 5:33
What does John 5:33 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:33 means
“Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.” The leaders themselves engaged John the Baptist, and he testified faithfully about Jesus. John’s role was preparatory, pointing to the Coming One. By reminding them of their own inquiry, Jesus shows that they are not ignorant; they have encountered credible testimony and resisted it. John’s witness was human yet true, a lamp pointing to the Light. Their problem is not lack of information but refusal to accept what God has already said through a prophet they briefly esteemed. This verse brings their accountability into view: they asked for light and then turned from it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You sent to John and he gave true witness.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862ye have sent unto John, and he hath testified to the truth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752You sent to John: and he gave testimony to the truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye have sent unto John, and he has borne witness to the truth.
Context
Jesus begins listing witnesses, starting with John the Baptist, whom the leaders had consulted. This recalls earlier interactions in the Gospel and shows continuity in God’s testimony. Verses 34–35 will qualify John’s place—valuable but not ultimate—while verse 36 will elevate Jesus’ works as a greater witness. The chain will then extend to the Father’s testimony (verse 37) and the Scriptures (verses 39–47). The strategy highlights that multiple, familiar voices have affirmed Jesus. By first invoking John—respected by many—Jesus meets the leaders where they are before directing them to even weightier witnesses that they cannot easily dismiss without indicting their own claims to honor God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 3:26
And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
- John 1:29
On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!
- John 1:6
There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
- John 1:15
John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Deity of Christ
The Bible consistently reveals Jesus Christ as truly God, possessing divine attributes, titles, and authority.
Topic
Bible Verses About Eternal Life
Eternal life, a gift from God, is knowing Him and Jesus Christ, and living forever in His presence.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.