John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Original Language Analysis
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφάς
the scriptures
G1124
γραφάς
the scriptures
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
3 of 18
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δοκεῖτε
think
G1380
δοκεῖτε
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
6 of 18
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
αὐταῖς
them
G846
αὐταῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 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
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
10 of 18
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
ἔχειν·
ye have
G2192
ἔχειν·
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκεῖναί
they
G1565
ἐκεῖναί
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
13 of 18
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυροῦσαι
which testify
G3140
μαρτυροῦσαι
which testify
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
16 of 18
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 24:27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Matthew 22:29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.Isaiah 34:16Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.Jeremiah 8:9The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?John 5:46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.Mark 12:10And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism devoted immense effort to Scripture study. The Pharisees believed Torah study itself brought eternal life. Jesus corrects this—Scripture is pointer, not destination. The Old Testament's purpose is to testify of Christ. Those who study it without finding Him read in vain.
Questions for Reflection
- How can intensive Scripture study miss Christ whom Scripture reveals?
- What does it mean that the Scriptures 'testify of me'—how do you see Christ in the Old Testament?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.' This can be read as command ('Search the scriptures') or statement ('You search the scriptures'). Either way, the irony is sharp: those who diligently study Scripture looking for life miss the One Scripture testifies about. The Scriptures point to Christ; missing Him while reading them misses their purpose. Bible study without Christ-focus produces religious knowledge without salvation.