1 John 5:7

Authorized King James Version

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τρεῖς

G5140

three

"three"

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

οἱ

G3588

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

μαρτυροῦντες

G3140

that bear record

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

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

οὐρανῷ,

G3772

heaven

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

πατήρ,

G3962

the Father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#11

ὁ

G3588

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

#12

λόγος,

G3056

the Word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

τὸ

G3588

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

#15

ἅγιον

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#16

Πνεῦμα·

G4151

Ghost

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#18

οὗτοι

G3778

these

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

#19

οἱ

G3588

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

#20

τρεῖς

G5140

three

"three"

#21

ἕν

G1520

one

#22

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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