Verse MeaningJohnSome background helps
John 5:39: Meaning Explained
‹Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.›
John 5:39
“You study the Scriptures carefully because you think that through them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,”
What Does This Verse Mean?
You study the Bible carefully because you think it will give you eternal life. But the Bible actually speaks about me!
What’s Happening Here
Jesus was pointing out that the Old Testament Scriptures point to him.
Key Words
Scripturesthe written Bible
testifygive witness or point to
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that the Bible's ultimate purpose is to point us to a relationship with Jesus, not just to be an academic study, which helps prevent faith from becoming merely intellectual.
Did You Know?
The original Greek verb translated as 'study' or 'search' implies a diligent, ongoing investigation, showing the people were actively scrutinizing the Scriptures.
Word Study
G2045
Searchἐρευνᾶτε
G1124
the scripturesγραφάς
G3754
forὅτι
G5210
yeὑμεῖς
G1380
thinkδοκεῖτε
G1722
inἐν
G846
themαὐταῖς
G2222
lifeζωὴν
G166
eternalαἰώνιον
G2192
ye haveἔχειν·
G2532
andκαὶ
G1565
theyἐκεῖναί
G1526
are theyεἰσιν
G3140
which testifyμαρτυροῦσαι
G4012
ofπερὶ
G1700
meἐμοῦ·
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read John 5:39 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.