Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

John 5:36

ESV But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
NIV "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.
NASB But the testimony I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.
CSB "But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me.
NLT But I have a greater witness than John — my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.
KJV But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
NKJV But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

What does John 5:36 mean?

Jesus has angered local religious leaders by violating their traditions and claiming to be equal with God (John 5:18). Jesus provides several examples of His equality with God the Father (John 5:19–30). At the same time, Jesus notes that human beings feel a natural, reasonable urge for evidence (Romans 1:18–20; 1 John 4:1). This is why Jewish law required two or three witnesses to establish any critical fact (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6). In the interest of reaching lost souls, Jesus is willing to provide that evidence. In prior verses, Jesus has given the first of these: human testimony, which came from John the Baptist (John 5:33).

In this verse, Jesus explains the second form of evidence: direct observation. Jesus notes that He has performed miracles—"works"—which demonstrate that He has godly power. These are events some of His critics have seen first-hand, so Jesus calls this form of testimony "greater" than the witness of John the Baptist. The Baptist's words are compelling, but he performed no miracles (John 10:41). The real-world miracles of Jesus are far more powerful evidence than any human testimony.

This is a major purpose for this entire Gospel. John specifically focuses on seven of Jesus' miracles, calling them "signs" (John 2:11). The purpose of choosing only these few incidents is to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God (John 20:30–31). God uses miracles sparingly to prove His message (Hebrews 2:3–4). The fact that Jesus is wielding the power of God is meant to inspire faith in those who see His works (John 3:2).

The third form of evidence Jesus refers to is that of Scripture, beginning in the next verse.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: