1 John 5:9
New International Version
We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.

New Living Translation
Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son.

English Standard Version
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.

Berean Standard Bible
Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.

Berean Literal Bible
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.

King James Bible
If 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.

New King James Version
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.

New American Standard Bible
If we receive the testimony of people, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

NASB 1995
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

NASB 1977
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for the witness of God is this, that He has borne witness concerning His Son.

Legacy Standard Bible
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for the witness of God is this, that He has borne witness about His Son.

Amplified Bible
If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [that is, if we are willing to take the sworn statements of fallible humans as evidence], the testimony of God is greater [far more authoritative]; for this is the testimony of God, that He has testified regarding His Son.

Christian Standard Bible
If we accept human testimony, God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that he has given about his Son.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If we accept the testimony of men, God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that He has given about His Son.

American Standard Version
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for the witness of God is this, that he hath borne witness concerning his Son.

Contemporary English Version
We believe what people tell us. But we can trust what God says even more, and God is the one who has spoken about his Son.

English Revised Version
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for the witness of God is this, that he hath borne witness concerning his Son.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We accept human testimony. God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony that he has given about his Son.

Good News Translation
We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son.

International Standard Version
If we accept human testimony, God's testimony is greater, because it is the testimony of God and because he has testified about his Son.

Majority Standard Bible
Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.

NET Bible
If we accept the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that he has testified concerning his Son.

New Heart English Bible
If we accept human testimony, the witness of God is greater; for this is God's testimony that he has testified concerning his Son.

Webster's Bible Translation
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God which he hath testified of his Son.

Weymouth New Testament
If we accept the testimony of men, God's testimony is greater: for God's testimony consists of the things which He has testified about His Son.

World English Bible
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.

Berean Literal Bible
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God that He has testified concerning His Son.

Young's Literal Translation
If the testimony of men we receive, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that He hath testified concerning His Son.

Smith's Literal Translation
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God which he has testified concerning his Son.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because he hath testified of his Son.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If we accept the testimony of men, then the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater: that he has testified about his Son.

New American Bible
If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son.

New Revised Standard Version
If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If we accept the testimony of men, how much greater is the testimony of God: for this is the testimony of God, which he has testified of his Son.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If we receive the testimony of men, how much greater is the testimony of God? And this is the testimony of God which he testifies about his Son:
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God, which he has borne concerning his Son.

Godbey New Testament
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: because this is the witness of God that he has testified concerning his Son.

Haweis New Testament
If we receive the testimony of man, the testimony of God is stronger: for this is the testimony of God which he testified concerning his Son.

Mace New Testament
if we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: now this is the testimony, which God has given us of his son.

Weymouth New Testament
If we accept the testimony of men, God's testimony is greater: for God's testimony consists of the things which He has testified about His Son.

Worrell New Testament
If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; because this is the testimony of God, that He hath testified concerning His Son.

Worsley New Testament
Now if we admit the testimony of men, sure the testimony of God is greater: and this is the testimony of God, which He hath testified concerning his Son.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Testimony about His Son
8the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 9Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son. 10Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.…

Cross References
John 5:31-37
If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. / There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. / You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. ...

John 8:17-18
Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. / I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me.”

John 3:31-33
The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. / He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. / Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.

Hebrews 6:18
Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

John 15:26-27
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. / And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

Matthew 3:17
And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

John 1:32-34
Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. / I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ / I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

2 Peter 1:17-18
For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” / And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

John 12:28-30
Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” / The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. / In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.

Deuteronomy 19:15
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.


Treasury of Scripture

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son.

we.

1 John 5:10
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

John 3:32,33
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony…

John 5:31-36,39
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true…

for.

Matthew 3:16,17
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: …

Matthew 17:5
While 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.

Jump to Previous
Accept Borne Consists God's Greater Receive Testified Testimony True. Witness
Jump to Next
Accept Borne Consists God's Greater Receive Testified Testimony True. Witness
1 John 5
1. He who loves God loves his children, and keeps his commandments;
3. which to the faithful are not grievous.
9. Jesus is the Son of God;
14. and able to hear our prayers.














Even if we accept human testimony
The phrase begins with an acknowledgment of the common practice of accepting human testimony. In the Greek, "martyria" refers to witness or testimony, a concept deeply rooted in both legal and everyday contexts of the ancient world. Human testimony was essential in judicial proceedings, and the early Christians would have been familiar with its importance. This phrase sets up a contrast, emphasizing that while human testimony is valuable, it is inherently limited and fallible. The Apostle John uses this to prepare the reader for the greater testimony that follows.

the testimony of God is greater
Here, the phrase elevates the divine testimony above human testimony. The Greek word "meizon" (greater) underscores the superiority and authority of God's witness. In the biblical context, God's testimony is infallible and eternal, unlike human testimony, which can be flawed or deceitful. This assertion is a powerful reminder of the divine nature of the message about Jesus Christ. It calls believers to trust in the divine revelation as the ultimate truth, surpassing all human understanding and evidence.

For this is the testimony of God
This phrase introduces the content of God's testimony. The Greek "hoti" (for) serves as a conjunction that explains or provides the reason for the previous statement. The emphasis here is on the divine origin of the testimony, which carries the weight of God's authority and truth. In the historical context of the early church, this would have been a profound assurance to believers facing doubts or external challenges to their faith.

that He has given about His Son
The final phrase specifies the content of God's testimony: it concerns His Son, Jesus Christ. The Greek "dedōken" (has given) indicates a completed action with ongoing significance. This reflects the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, events that were witnessed and recorded. The testimony about Jesus is central to Christian faith, affirming His identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This divine testimony is foundational, providing believers with confidence in their faith and the assurance of eternal life through Christ.

Verse 9. - An argument a fortiori. If we receive expresses no doubt, but states an admitted fact gently (see 1 John 4:11; and comp. John 7:23; John 10:35; John 13:14). "If we accept human witness [and, of course, we do], we must accept Divine witness [and, therefore, must believe that the Son of God is Jesus Christ]; for the witness of God consists in this, that he has borne witness concerning his Son." Note the pertinacious repetition of the word "witness," thoroughly in St John's style. The perfect μεμαρτύρηκε indicates that the witness still continues.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Even] if
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

we accept
λαμβάνομεν (lambanomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

human
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

testimony,
μαρτυρίαν (martyrian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

testimony
μαρτυρία (martyria)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

is
ἐστίν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

greater.
μείζων (meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

testimony
μαρτυρία (martyria)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

has [given]
μεμαρτύρηκεν (memartyrēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

Son.
Υἱοῦ (Huiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.


Links
1 John 5:9 NIV
1 John 5:9 NLT
1 John 5:9 ESV
1 John 5:9 NASB
1 John 5:9 KJV

1 John 5:9 BibleApps.com
1 John 5:9 Biblia Paralela
1 John 5:9 Chinese Bible
1 John 5:9 French Bible
1 John 5:9 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)
1 John 5:8
Top of Page
Top of Page