There is another who testifies about MeIn this passage, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders, emphasizing the importance of testimony in establishing truth. In Jewish law, the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to confirm a matter (
Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus refers to "another" who testifies about Him, which can be understood as God the Father. This aligns with the broader context of John's Gospel, where the Father’s testimony is seen through the works Jesus performs (
John 5:36) and the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism (
Matthew 3:17). The concept of divine testimony is crucial, as it underscores Jesus' divine authority and mission.
and I know that His testimony about Me is valid
Jesus expresses certainty in the validity of the Father's testimony. This assurance is rooted in the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, a recurring theme in the Gospel of John (John 10:30). The term "valid" indicates that the testimony is trustworthy and authoritative, surpassing human testimony. This reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, such asIsaiah 42:1, where God declares His chosen servant. Jesus' confidence in the Father's testimony also serves as a model for believers, encouraging trust in divine revelation and the truth of the Gospel message.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, who is speaking about the testimony concerning His identity and mission.
2.
The Father (God)The "another" who testifies about Jesus, affirming His divine mission and identity.
3.
John the BaptistAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the broader context of
John 5, known for bearing witness to Jesus.
4.
JerusalemThe setting of this discourse, where Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders.
5.
Jewish LeadersThe audience to whom Jesus is speaking, who are questioning His authority and identity.
Teaching Points
Divine TestimonyThe testimony of God the Father is the ultimate validation of Jesus' identity and mission. Believers can have confidence in Jesus' claims because they are backed by divine authority.
Reliability of WitnessJust as Jesus relied on the testimony of the Father, Christians are called to trust in the reliability of God's Word and His promises.
Role of WitnessesLike John the Baptist, believers are called to be witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel with others.
Understanding Jesus' IdentityRecognizing Jesus as the Son of God is foundational to Christian faith. This understanding should shape our worship, obedience, and daily living.
Responding to SkepticismWhen faced with doubt or skepticism, Christians can point to the divine testimony and the consistency of Scripture as evidence of their faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 5:32?
2.How does John 5:32 affirm the reliability of Jesus' testimony about Himself?
3.What role does the "another" in John 5:32 play in Jesus' ministry?
4.How can we apply the principle of seeking external validation in our faith?
5.How does John 5:32 connect with other testimonies about Jesus in the Gospels?
6.In what ways can we ensure our witness aligns with God's truth today?
7.Who is the "another" that testifies about Jesus in John 5:32?
8.How does John 5:32 support the divinity of Jesus?
9.What historical evidence supports the testimony mentioned in John 5:32?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 5?
11.What is the concept of the Fourfold Witness?
12.In the Gospel of John, what did Jesus say about bearing his own witness in John 5:31 and John 8:14?
13.John 8:14-18: How do Jesus's statements about His testimony reconcile with other biblical passages that require two or more witnesses?
14.Who empowers me if not Christ within me?What Does John 5:32 Mean
There is anotherJesus reminds His listeners that He is not standing alone in His claims. Just as the Law required more than one witness (Deuteronomy 19:15), the Son respects the Father-given standard. He points away from mere self-assertion and hints at a divine corroboration, anticipating the Father’s voice (John 5:37) and later affirmations like the heavenly proclamation at His baptism (Matthew 3:17). By saying “another,” He signals:
• A second, independent voice beyond John the Baptist (John 5:33–35).
• A higher witness than any human—ultimately, the Father Himself (John 8:18).
• Fulfillment of prophetic expectation that Messiah would be authenticated by God, not self-promotion (Isaiah 42:1).
who testifies about MeThe verb tense pictures ongoing testimony. The Father’s witness is not a one-time event; it threads through Jesus’ works and words:
• Miraculous signs—healing the lame man in this very chapter (John 5:8-9, 36).
• Direct vocal affirmations (Matthew 17:5 at the transfiguration).
• The inner witness of the Spirit convicting hearts (John 15:26).
Every deed, teaching, and fulfilled prophecy echoes the Father’s continual declaration, “This is My Son.”
and I knowChrist speaks with absolute certainty, not mere hope. His knowledge rests in perfect communion with the Father (John 10:30). Points to note:
• Jesus operates from firsthand intimacy; He does not wait for human approval (John 8:28-29).
• His confidence models for believers that assurance is anchored in God’s revelation, not shifting opinions (1 John 5:9-13).
Because the Son shares the Father’s nature, He “knows” rather than merely “believes.”
that His testimony about Me is valid“Valid” underscores legal sufficiency and moral truthfulness:
• The Father cannot lie (Numbers 23:19;Titus 1:2). Therefore, His witness carries final authority.
• By calling the testimony “valid,” Jesus invites His audience to weigh evidence already present—Scripture, John the Baptist’s word, and His own signs (John 5:39).
• Rejecting such a witness is not intellectual neutrality; it is willful unbelief (John 3:18-19).
Believers today rest in the same rock-solid validation: the Father has declared the Son, and that declaration stands forever.
summaryJohn 5:32 shows Jesus appealing to the highest courtroom—His Father’s. He assures us that:
• Another witness exists, fulfilling the Law’s demand for corroboration.
• The Father continually testifies through Scripture, signs, and direct proclamation.
• Jesus, united with the Father, knows this testimony with absolute certainty.
• Because the Father’s word is infallible, Christ’s identity and mission are unquestionably established. Standing on that unshakeable witness, we can embrace Jesus as Lord with full confidence.
(32)
There is another . . .--
i.e., the Father. The reference to the Baptist is excluded by the words which follow. The difficulty which has been seen in this indirect reference to the Father is removed if we connect the words closely with those preceding them. The point is in the fact that another, different in personality from Himself, bore witness of Him. (Comp.
John 8:50;
Matthew 10:28,
et al.)
I know . . .--This has seemed to have a natural meaning if it is the authority given to John's witness, but to be less fitting if applied to the Father's. In two of the oldest MSS., and some of the earliest versions, we read "ye know," and this has been adopted by some modern editors; but the origin of this reading is obvious, and there is no sufficient reason for departing from the common text. Its meaning is quite in harmony with the relation of the Son to the Father, which has been dwelt upon. The Father beareth witness, is bearing witness (comp.John 5:37), in the unity of work which Son and Father alike work (John 5:17;John 5:19-20;John 5:30), and the Son knows that His power to do this work can come from no other source. His own nature responds to the Father's voice; He knows it to be true. (Comp.John 3:33.) . . .
Verses 32, 37, 38. -
(a)The witness of the Father.Verse 32. -It is another that witnesseth concerning me; andI know that the witness which he witnesseth concerning me is true. It is a mistake, with Ewald, De Wette, and many others, to suppose that this refers to the testimony of John the Baptist. By Augustine, Hengstenberg, Luthardt, Godet, Meyer, etc., it has been perceived that the "other" (ἄλλος) refers to the Father. Jesus expressly declines to receive John's testimony as his justification or sufficient vindication, and he contrasts it with the higher confirmation which in three distinct ways is already and continuously vouchsafed to him. The present tense,μαρτυρεῖ, is in striking contrast to the testimony of John already silenced by imprisonment or death. The methods of this testimony are subsequently analyzed and described. The Father's witness includes -
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
There isἐστὶν(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.anotherἄλλος(allos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 243:Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.testifiesμαρτυρῶν(martyrōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3140:To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.aboutπερὶ(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.Me,ἐμοῦ(emou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.I knowοἶδα(oida)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.[His]ἡ(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.testimonyμαρτυρία(martyria)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141:Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.aboutπερὶ(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.Meἐμοῦ(emou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.isἐστιν(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.valid.ἀληθής(alēthēs)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 227:Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.
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NT Gospels: John 5:32 It is another who testifies about me (Jhn Jo Jn)