King James Version

What Does John 5:36 Mean?

John 5:36 in the King James Version says “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish , the same works th... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish , the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

John 5:36 · KJV


Context

34

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

35

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

36

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish , the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

37

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

38

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus claims 'greater witness than that of John'—His works themselves testify that the Father sent Him. Miracles serve as divine credentials (cf. Acts 2:22). The phrase 'the same works...bear witness of me' indicates that Christ's works are not His own but the Father's working through Him, validating His mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' miracles exceeded John's (John 10:41). These signs—healing, feeding thousands, raising the dead—demonstrated divine authority and fulfilled messianic prophecies, providing visual testimony to His identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Christ's works testify to His divine mission and authority?
  2. What is the relationship between miraculous works and the witness they bear to Christ's identity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
ἐγὼ1 of 33

I

G1473

i, me

δὲ2 of 33

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔχω3 of 33

have

G2192

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

τὴν4 of 33
G3588

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

μαρτυρίαν5 of 33

witness

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

μείζω6 of 33
G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τοῦ7 of 33
G3588

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

Ἰωάννου·8 of 33

than that of John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

τὰ9 of 33
G3588

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

γὰρ10 of 33

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔργα11 of 33

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

12 of 33

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔδωκεν13 of 33

hath given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι14 of 33

me

G3427

to me

15 of 33
G3588

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

πατήρ16 of 33

the Father

G3962

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

ἵνα17 of 33

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τελειώσω18 of 33

finish

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

αὐτὰ19 of 33

the same

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

αὐτὰ20 of 33

the same

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

τὰ21 of 33
G3588

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

ἔργα22 of 33

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

23 of 33

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ24 of 33

I

G1473

i, me

ποιῶ25 of 33

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

μαρτυρεῖ26 of 33

bear witness

G3140

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

περὶ27 of 33

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐμοῦ28 of 33

me

G1700

of me

ὅτι29 of 33

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

30 of 33
G3588

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

πατήρ31 of 33

the Father

G3962

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

με32 of 33

me

G3165

me

ἀπέσταλκεν·33 of 33

hath sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively


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 5:36 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 5:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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