John 5:38
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
word
G3056
λόγον
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μένοντα
abiding
G3306
μένοντα
abiding
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
7 of 17
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπέστειλεν
he hath sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he hath sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
12 of 17
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
ἐκεῖνος
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
13 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Cross References
1 John 2:14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.Isaiah 49:7Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.John 1:11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.John 8:37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Historical Context
The Jewish leaders prided themselves on Torah knowledge yet rejected its culmination in Christ. This paradox—expert knowledge without spiritual understanding—demonstrates that Scripture knowledge differs from having God's word internally transforming us.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between knowing Scripture and having God's word 'abiding' in us?
- How does response to Christ reveal whether God's word truly dwells within us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus diagnoses the root problem: 'Ye have not his word abiding in you.' Possessing Scripture differs from having God's word 'abiding' (dwelling, remaining) within. Their proof? 'Whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.' Genuine possession of God's word produces faith in Christ; rejection of Christ reveals the word's absence regardless of biblical knowledge.