1 John 5:6

Authorized King James Version

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οὗτός

G3778

This

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ

G3588

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

ἐλθὼν

G2064

he that came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

δι'

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ὕδατι

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

καὶ

G2532

And

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

αἵματι·

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

even Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#12

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

τῷ

G3588

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

#15

ὕδατι

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#16

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

#17

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#18

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#19

τῷ

G3588

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

#20

ὕδατι

G5204

water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#21

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#22

τῷ

G3588

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

#23

αἵματι·

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#25

τὸ

G3588

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

#26

πνεῦμά

G4151

the Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#27

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#28

τὸ

G3588

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

#29

μαρτυροῦν

G3140

that beareth witness

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

#30

ὅτι

G3754

because

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#31

τὸ

G3588

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

#32

πνεῦμά

G4151

the Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#33

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#34

ἡ

G3588

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

#35

ἀλήθεια

G225

truth

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 John chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love