King James Version

What Does 1 John 5:7 Mean?

1 John 5:7 in the King James Version says “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

1 John 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

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.

7

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

8

And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

9

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.

Read 1 John 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. This verse appears in some manuscripts (Textus Receptus, basis for KJV) but is absent from most ancient manuscripts and modern critical texts. Most scholars consider it a late addition, not original to John's epistle. However, the theological truth it expresses—the Trinity's united testimony—is biblical, though this specific verse's authenticity is questionable.

If authentic, "there are three that bear record in heaven" (hoti treis eisin hoi martyrountes en tō ouranō) identifies the heavenly witnesses. "The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost" lists the three persons of the Trinity. "The Word" (ho logos) refers to Christ (John 1:1, 14). "And these three are one" (kai houtoi hoi treis hen eisin) affirms the Trinity—three persons, one essence. The heavenly witness to Christ's person and work involves all three divine persons working in perfect unity.

Even if this verse is textually uncertain, Trinitarian truth is firmly established elsewhere in Scripture. The Father testified at Christ's baptism (Matthew 3:17), the Son accomplished redemption, and the Spirit testifies to believers. The Trinity's united work in salvation provides certain assurance—God Himself in three persons bears witness to Christ's saving work. This triple divine testimony is unimpeachable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse's presence in later manuscripts reflects the church's developing Trinitarian formulation, particularly after Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381) councils defined orthodox Trinitarianism. While the verse likely wasn't original, its inclusion demonstrates early Christians' recognition of Trinitarian truth throughout Scripture, even if this specific formulation was added to make it explicit.

The Trinitarian controversy involved Arians (denying Christ's full deity), Sabellians (denying distinction of persons), and orthodox Trinitarians affirming one God in three persons. This verse's late addition may reflect attempts to combat anti-Trinitarian heresy by making the biblical witness more explicit. However, sound interpretation builds doctrine on certain texts, not disputed ones. Fortunately, Trinitarian truth is well-established elsewhere.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that the entire Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) testifies to Christ's work strengthen your assurance of salvation?
  2. What does the Trinity's united work in salvation reveal about God's nature and His commitment to redeeming His people?
  3. How should you approach textually uncertain biblical passages—what principles guide interpretation when manuscript evidence varies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ὅτι1 of 22

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τρεῖς2 of 22

“three”

G5140

"three"

εἰσιν3 of 22

“are”

G1526

they are

οἱ4 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαρτυροῦντες5 of 22

“that bear record”

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ἐν6 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῷ,8 of 22

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὁ9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατήρ,10 of 22

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὁ11 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος,12 of 22

“the Word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ13 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ14 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅγιον15 of 22

“the Holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Πνεῦμα·16 of 22

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ17 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὗτοι18 of 22

“these”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οἱ19 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρεῖς20 of 22

“three”

G5140

"three"

ἕν21 of 22

“one”

G1520

one

εἰσιν22 of 22

“are”

G1526

they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 5:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 28:192 Corinthians 13:14Acts 5:32Matthew 3:16-171 John 5:6John 1:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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