King James Version

What Does John 20:31 Mean?

John 20:31 in the King James Version says “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have ...” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

John 20:31 · KJV

Faith

Context

29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

30

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Read John 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John states his Gospel's purpose: 'But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God' (tauta de gegraptai hina pisteusete hoti Iesous estin ho Christos ho huios tou theou). The purpose clause hina pisteusete indicates John wrote to produce faith - that readers would believe (pisteuo) that Jesus is both the Messiah (ho Christos) and God's Son (ho huios tou theou). The dual identification is crucial: Jesus fulfills Jewish Messianic expectation and possesses divine sonship. The purpose continues: 'and that believing ye might have life through his name' (kai hina pisteuontes zoen echete en to onomati autou). Believing results in having (echete) life (zoen) in His name. This summarizes John's Gospel - presenting Jesus' identity and work to produce saving faith that grants eternal life. The verse provides hermeneutical key to reading John's carefully selected signs and discourses.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's Gospel, written circa 90-100 AD, addresses both Jewish and Gentile readers. Against Jewish objections, John proves Jesus is Messiah through fulfilled prophecy and signs. Against Gnostic denials of Christ's humanity, John emphasizes incarnation (1:14, 19:34). Against imperial cult proclaiming Caesar as 'son of god,' John declares Jesus alone is God's Son. The purpose statement reveals John's evangelistic intent - the Gospel is missionary literature designed to convert readers. Church tradition holds that John wrote last of the four Gospels, supplementing synoptics with theological reflection. Early church used John's Gospel extensively in catechesis, teaching new converts Christ's identity. The verse became foundational to gospel literature more broadly - all Scripture is written to produce saving faith in Christ. Modern evangelical preaching often cites this verse explaining salvation's simplicity - believe in Jesus' identity and receive life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's stated purpose of producing faith shape how we should read and interpret his Gospel?
  2. Why does John emphasize believing Jesus is both the Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God - why both identities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ταῦτα1 of 24

“these”

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 24

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

γέγραπται3 of 24

“are written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἵνα4 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πιστεύοντες5 of 24

“believing”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ὅτι6 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ7 of 24
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς8 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐστιν9 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ10 of 24
G3588

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

Χριστὸς11 of 24

“the Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ὁ12 of 24
G3588

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

υἱὸς13 of 24

“the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ14 of 24
G3588

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

θεοῦ15 of 24

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ16 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

ἵνα17 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πιστεύοντες18 of 24

“believing”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ζωὴν19 of 24

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

ἔχητε20 of 24

“ye might have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν21 of 24

“through”

G1722

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

τῷ22 of 24
G3588

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

ὀνόματι23 of 24

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ24 of 24

“his”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

John 20:31 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 John 20:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 10:43John 3:15-161 John 5:11 John 4:15John 3:361 John 5:20

Test Your Knowledge

John 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJohn Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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