John 5:39
What does John 5:39 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:39 means
“Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me.” Jesus honors their diligence but corrects their aim. Scripture does not give life apart from the One it reveals. Their study should have led them to Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. The Bible is not an end but a signpost. To miss Jesus while mastering texts is to miss the very life promised. This verse teaches that all Scripture bears witness to Him; the Old Testament anticipates and points toward Christ. The tragedy is that zeal for the letter has eclipsed coming to the living Word.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You make search in the holy Writings, in the belief that through them you get eternal life; and it is those Writings which give witness about me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Ye search the Writings, because ye think in them to have life age-during, and these are they that are testifying concerning me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Search the scriptures: for you think in them to have life everlasting. And the same are they that give testimony of me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye search the scriptures, for ye think that in them ye have life eternal, and they it is which bear witness concerning me;
Context
After stating that God’s word does not abide in them (verse 38), Jesus addresses their searching of the Scriptures. He acknowledges their practice yet shows its failure: they have not come to the One to whom the Scriptures testify. Verse 40 will state this refusal plainly. The flow is now at the heart of the indictment: the leaders’ confidence in Scripture, apart from Christ, has become a barrier to life. The subsequent verses (41–44) will expose motives—seeking human glory rather than God’s—and verses 45–47 will climax by invoking Moses as their accuser, since he wrote about Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
- Matthew 19:16
And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
- John 7:52
They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
- Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
- Psalms 133:3
Like the dew of Hermon, That cometh down upon the mountains of Zion: For there Jehovah commanded the blessing, Even life for evermore.
- Proverbs 8:33
Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not.
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.