1 John 5:8

Authorized King James Version

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

τρεῖς

G5140

these three

"three"

εἰσιν.

G1526

agree

they are

οἱ

G3588

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

μαρτυροῦντες

G3140

that bear witness

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

ἐν

G1722

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

τῇ

G3588

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

γῇ,

G1093

earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

τὸ

G3588

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

#10

πνεῦμα

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

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#12

τὸ

G3588

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

#13

ὕδωρ

G5204

the water

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#15

τὸ

G3588

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

#16

αἷμα

G129

the blood

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

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

οἱ

G3588

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

#19

τρεῖς

G5140

these three

"three"

#20

εἰς

G1519

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

#21

τὸ

G3588

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

#22

ἕν

G1520

one

#23

εἰσιν.

G1526

agree

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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