John 5:36
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχω
have
G2192
ἔχω
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 33
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μείζω
G3173
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου·
than that of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου·
than that of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
8 of 33
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 33
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 33
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἃ
that
G3739
ἃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 33
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
hath given
G1325
ἔδωκεν
hath given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 33
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
the Father
G3962
πατήρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
16 of 33
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τελειώσω
finish
G5048
τελειώσω
finish
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
18 of 33
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
αὐτὰ
the same
G846
αὐτὰ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 33
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αὐτὰ
the same
G846
αὐτὰ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 33
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
22 of 33
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἃ
that
G3739
ἃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
23 of 33
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιῶ
do
G4160
ποιῶ
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
25 of 33
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μαρτυρεῖ
bear witness
G3140
μαρτυρεῖ
bear witness
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
26 of 33
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
27 of 33
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
29 of 33
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 10:25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.1 John 5:9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.John 15:24If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.John 2:23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Matthew 11:4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:John 5:32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Historical Context
Jesus' miracles exceeded John's (John 10:41). These signs—healing, feeding thousands, raising the dead—demonstrated divine authority and fulfilled messianic prophecies, providing visual testimony to His identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christ's works testify to His divine mission and authority?
- What is the relationship between miraculous works and the witness they bear to Christ's identity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus claims 'greater witness than that of John'—His works themselves testify that the Father sent Him. Miracles serve as divine credentials (cf. Acts 2:22). The phrase 'the same works...bear witness of me' indicates that Christ's works are not His own but the Father's working through Him, validating His mission.