John 5:43
What does John 5:43 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:43 means
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” They reject the One bearing the Father’s credentials, yet they would welcome a self-promoting leader. This exposes their values: they prefer human-centered glory to God’s humble, obedient Son. It is a sober warning about the allure of charismatic impostors. The contrast shows that unbelief is not neutral; it is drawn to what mirrors its own pride. Jesus’ rejection was not due to lack of evidence but to hearts tuned to a different music. True recognition requires love for the Father and desire for His honor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have come in my Father's name, and your hearts are not open to me. If another comes with no other authority but himself, you will give him your approval.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I have come in the name of my Father, and ye do not receive me; if another may come in his own name, him ye will receive;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am come in the name of my Father, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not; if another come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Context
After stating that they lack God’s love (verse 42), Jesus contrasts their rejection of Him, who comes in the Father’s name, with their openness to others who come in their own name. This critique flows into verse 44’s rhetorical question about believing while seeking one another’s glory. The underlying diagnosis is now clear: misplaced desire for human approval blinds them to God’s revelation in His Son. The conclusion (verses 45–47) will invoke Moses, turning their professed hope into evidence against them because Moses wrote of Christ. The movement from motives to Mosaic testimony closes the case against their unbelief.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- John 8:28
Jesus therefore said, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things.
- Acts 5:36
For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.
- Matthew 24:5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall lead many astray.
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- John 6:38
For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
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