1 John 5:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 John 5:6
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
Chapter Context
1 John 5 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, love, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 85-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Early Gnostic ideas threatened the understanding of Christ's incarnation and redemption.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 John 5:6
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
Analysis
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. John emphasizes Jesus Christ's coming "by water and blood"—a difficult phrase with several interpretations. "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ" (houtos estin ho elthōn di' hydatos kai haimatos Iēsous Christos). The aorist participle "came" indicates historical arrival—the incarnation and ministry of Jesus Christ.
"By water and blood" likely refers to Jesus's baptism (water) and crucifixion (blood), bracketing His public ministry with authentication from start to finish. Alternatively, it may reference the water and blood flowing from Christ's pierced side (John 19:34), confirming His true death. Against docetic heresy claiming the divine Christ descended at Jesus's baptism but departed before crucifixion, John insists Christ came "not by water only, but by water and blood"—the divine Christ was present through both baptism and crucifixion. The incarnation included suffering and death, not merely teaching ministry.
"And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth" (kai to pneuma estin to martyroun hoti to pneuma estin hē alētheia). The Spirit provides ongoing testimony to Christ's person and work. The Spirit descended at Christ's baptism (Matthew 3:16), empowered His ministry (Luke 4:18), and continues testifying to believers (John 15:26). The Spirit's testimony is reliable because He is truth—His nature guarantees His witness's veracity. This Trinity of witnesses (Spirit, water, blood) establishes Christ's identity conclusively.
Historical Context
The phrase "water and blood" likely addressed specific heresy in the Johannine community. Cerinthus taught that the divine Christ descended on Jesus at baptism (water) but departed before crucifixion, leaving mere man Jesus to die. John refutes this—Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, remaining fully God and fully man throughout His earthly ministry, death, and resurrection.
The Spirit's testimony was central to early Christian proclamation. At Pentecost, the Spirit's coming authenticated the apostles' witness (Acts 2). The Spirit continues testifying by convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11), illuminating Scripture, and producing fruit in believers' lives. Against claims requiring additional revelation or tradition, Protestants emphasized the Spirit's internal testimony authenticating Scripture's truth.
Reflection
- How does Christ's coming by both water (baptism) and blood (crucifixion) refute false teaching that denies His full humanity or atoning death?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your understanding of and confidence in Jesus Christ's identity and saving work?
- Why is it important that Christ remained fully God and fully man through both His ministry and His death on the cross?
Word Studies
- Truth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia) G225 - Truth, reality
Cross-References
- Spirit: John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, Hebrews 9:14
- Blood: Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Hebrews 12:24, 13:20, Revelation 5:9, 7:14