Devine Scripture

John 5:34

What does John 5:34 mean?

A plain-English look at John 5:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 5:34 means

Jesus adds, “But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.” He does not rest His case on human testimony, even from a prophet like John. The ultimate validation comes from the Father. Yet He mentions John pastorally, seeking their salvation. His argument is not to win a debate but to win souls. This reveals Jesus’ motive: love drives even His polemic. He accommodates their standards to remove excuses for unbelief. Salvation hangs on believing the Son; therefore, every credible witness, human and divine, is pressed upon them so that they might come to life in Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I have no need of a man's witness: I only say these things so that you may have salvation.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But I do not receive testimony from man, but these things I say that ye may be saved;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I receive not testimony from man: but I say these things, that you may be saved.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I do not receive witness from man, but I say this that ye might be saved.

Context

After citing John’s testimony (verse 33), Jesus clarifies that, while helpful, human witness is not the foundation of His authority. He mentions John for their benefit, aiming at their salvation. The next verse (35) will commend John as a burning and shining lamp, yet transitional, while verse 36 asserts a superior witness: Jesus’ works given by the Father. The discourse is moving from lesser to greater testimonies, culminating with the Father (verse 37) and the Scriptures (verses 39–47). The emphasis on salvation keeps the tone pastoral, even in rebuke, and ties back to the promises of life for those who hear and believe (verses 24–25).

v.33Ye have sent unto John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth.

v.34This passage

v.35He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

Cross references

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

  • John 20:31

    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.

  • Romans 10:1

    Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

  • Luke 19:41

    And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,

  • Romans 12:21

    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • 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;

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