John 5:37
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψας
which hath sent
G3992
πέμψας
which hath sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
3 of 18
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
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
μεμαρτύρηκεν
hath borne witness
G3140
μεμαρτύρηκεν
hath borne witness
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
7 of 18
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
φωνὴν
voice
G5456
φωνὴν
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
11 of 18
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 18
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
πώποτε
at any time
G4455
πώποτε
at any time
Strong's:
G4455
Word #:
14 of 18
at any time, i.e., (with negative particle) at no time
Cross References
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 8:18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.1 Timothy 1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.1 John 4:12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?Exodus 20:19And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Historical Context
God's voice at Sinai was heard physically (Exodus 19:19), but here Jesus speaks of spiritual hearing. The Father's witness comes through works, words, and Scripture, requiring spiritual perception to recognize.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual deafness prevent recognizing God's witness about Christ?
- What enables us to 'hear' and 'see' the Father's testimony when others cannot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares that the Father Himself has borne witness about Him, likely referencing the voice at His baptism (Matthew 3:17) and the Father's testimony through works and Scripture. The condemnation 'Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape' indicates spiritual deafness and blindness. Natural faculties cannot perceive divine revelation apart from grace.