For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. This verse appears in some manuscripts (Textus Receptus, basis for KJV) but is absent from most ancient manuscripts and modern critical texts. Most scholars consider it a late addition, not original to John's epistle. However, the theological truth it expresses—the Trinity's united testimony—is biblical, though this specific verse's authenticity is questionable.
If authentic, "there are three that bear record in heaven" (hoti treis eisin hoi martyrountes en tō ouranō) identifies the heavenly witnesses. "The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost" lists the three persons of the Trinity. "The Word" (ho logos) refers to Christ (John 1:1, 14). "And these three are one" (kai houtoi hoi treis hen eisin) affirms the Trinity—three persons, one essence. The heavenly witness to Christ's person and work involves all three divine persons working in perfect unity.
Even if this verse is textually uncertain, Trinitarian truth is firmly established elsewhere in Scripture. The Father testified at Christ's baptism (Matthew 3:17), the Son accomplished redemption, and the Spirit testifies to believers. The Trinity's united work in salvation provides certain assurance—God Himself in three persons bears witness to Christ's saving work. This triple divine testimony is unimpeachable.
Historical Context
This verse's presence in later manuscripts reflects the church's developing Trinitarian formulation, particularly after Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381) councils defined orthodox Trinitarianism. While the verse likely wasn't original, its inclusion demonstrates early Christians' recognition of Trinitarian truth throughout Scripture, even if this specific formulation was added to make it explicit.
The Trinitarian controversy involved Arians (denying Christ's full deity), Sabellians (denying distinction of persons), and orthodox Trinitarians affirming one God in three persons. This verse's late addition may reflect attempts to combat anti-Trinitarian heresy by making the biblical witness more explicit. However, sound interpretation builds doctrine on certain texts, not disputed ones. Fortunately, Trinitarian truth is well-established elsewhere.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding that the entire Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) testifies to Christ's work strengthen your assurance of salvation?
What does the Trinity's united work in salvation reveal about God's nature and His commitment to redeeming His people?
How should you approach textually uncertain biblical passages—what principles guide interpretation when manuscript evidence varies?
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Analysis & Commentary
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. This verse appears in some manuscripts (Textus Receptus, basis for KJV) but is absent from most ancient manuscripts and modern critical texts. Most scholars consider it a late addition, not original to John's epistle. However, the theological truth it expresses—the Trinity's united testimony—is biblical, though this specific verse's authenticity is questionable.
If authentic, "there are three that bear record in heaven" (hoti treis eisin hoi martyrountes en tō ouranō) identifies the heavenly witnesses. "The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost" lists the three persons of the Trinity. "The Word" (ho logos) refers to Christ (John 1:1, 14). "And these three are one" (kai houtoi hoi treis hen eisin) affirms the Trinity—three persons, one essence. The heavenly witness to Christ's person and work involves all three divine persons working in perfect unity.
Even if this verse is textually uncertain, Trinitarian truth is firmly established elsewhere in Scripture. The Father testified at Christ's baptism (Matthew 3:17), the Son accomplished redemption, and the Spirit testifies to believers. The Trinity's united work in salvation provides certain assurance—God Himself in three persons bears witness to Christ's saving work. This triple divine testimony is unimpeachable.