John 5:35
What does John 5:35 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:35 means
John “was the lamp that burneth and shineth,” and for a time they were willing to rejoice in his light. A lamp is bright but borrowed; it points beyond itself. Their brief enthusiasm shows fickle hearts: they enjoyed the glow without embracing the One to whom it pointed. John’s ministry was valuable but temporary. By calling him a lamp, Jesus honors John while insisting that the true Light is greater. Their failure to follow the lamp’s direction exposes their unwillingness to accept God’s fuller revelation. Joy in a messenger, divorced from submission to the One he proclaims, proves shallow and transient.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He was a burning and shining light, and for a time you were ready to be happy in his light.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he was the burning and shining lamp, and ye did will to be glad, for an hour, in his light.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He was the burning and shining lamp, and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Context
Continuing with John the Baptist as witness (verses 33–34), Jesus describes him as a burning and shining lamp whose light they briefly enjoyed. This sets up a contrast with the greater witness of Jesus’ works in verse 36. The leaders’ temporary reception of John underscores their inconsistency and prepares for the charge that they have not truly heard God’s voice or received His word (verses 37–38). The discourse is tightening: from human testimony to divine works, from initial interest to hardened unbelief. The flow aims to remove every refuge of excuse and to call them to honor the Son whom John and all other testimonies have consistently pointed toward.
v.34But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.
v.35This passage
v.36But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 11:7
And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
- Luke 7:28
I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there is none greater than John: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
- John 6:66
Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
- 2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
- Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.
- John 1:7
The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him.
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