John 5:32
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
Original Language Analysis
ἐστιν
There is
G2076
ἐστιν
There is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
2 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυρεῖ
he witnesseth
G3140
μαρτυρεῖ
he witnesseth
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
4 of 17
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐστιν
There is
G2076
ἐστιν
There is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
11 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μαρτυρεῖ
he witnesseth
G3140
μαρτυρεῖ
he witnesseth
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
15 of 17
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
The 'another' (Greek: allos, another of the same kind) indicates a personal witness of equal or greater authority than Jesus' own claims. This sets up Jesus' comprehensive argument for His messianic credentials.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Father's witness about Christ differ from human testimony?
- What role does the Spirit's witness play in our certainty about Christ's identity and work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus refers to 'another that beareth witness of me'—likely the Father (as v. 37 clarifies), though John the Baptist is also in view. His certainty ('I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true') rests on the Father's testimony through works, Scripture, and the Spirit. Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith requires the Spirit's internal witness confirming Scripture's external witness.