John 3:11
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἴδαμεν
we do know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we do know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἑωράκαμεν
we have seen
G3708
ἑωράκαμεν
we have seen
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
11 of 18
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μαρτυροῦμεν
testify
G3140
μαρτυροῦμεν
testify
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
12 of 18
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 8:38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.John 12:49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.John 14:24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.John 7:16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.John 8:14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.Isaiah 65:2I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Isaiah 50:2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.Isaiah 53:1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Historical Context
Jesus claims eyewitness knowledge of heavenly realities (verse 13). His testimony is unique—no other teacher speaks from personal observation of divine truth. Yet Israel's leaders reject this testimony. The pattern continues: those with most religious advantage often prove most resistant to spiritual truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do those with the most religious background sometimes resist new spiritual truth?
- What distinguishes Jesus' testimony from all other religious teachers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly testimony: 'We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.' The plural 'we' may include the disciples or the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit. Jesus' testimony comes from firsthand divine knowledge, yet 'ye receive not.' The problem isn't insufficient evidence but unwilling hearts. Truth is rejected despite its authority and clarity.