1 John 5:13

Authorized King James Version

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ταῦτα

G5023

These things

these things

ἔγραψα

G1125

have I written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύητε

G4100

that believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα

G3686

the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ὑιοῦ

G5207

of the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#11

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

Θεοῦ,

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#14

εἰδῆτε

G1492

ye may know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#15

ὅτι

G3754

that ye

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#16

ζωὴν

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#17

ἔχετε

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#18

αἰώνιον

G166

eternal

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#21

πιστεύητε

G4100

that believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#22

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#23

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ὄνομα

G3686

the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#25

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

ὑιοῦ

G5207

of the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#27

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

Θεοῦ,

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 20:31 John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
— That ye might have life
² 1 John 1:4 1 John 1:4
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
— That your joy may be full

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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Topics

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