New Testament
John 5:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But I have a greater testimony than John's, for the works that the Father has given me to accomplish — the very works that I am doing — testify about me that the Father has sent me.
Compare translations
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.
What John 5:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that His testimony is more significant than that of John the Baptist. He points to the miraculous works He performs as evidence of His divine mission. These works, which include healing the sick and performing miracles, are not just acts of compassion; they serve as proof that God the Father has sent Him. Jesus is asserting that His actions validate His identity and purpose. By performing these works, He demonstrates His authority and connection to the Father, showing that He is indeed the Messiah. This statement invites listeners to recognize the divine origin of His ministry and the truth of His message. It highlights the importance of understanding Jesus not just through the words of others, like John, but through the powerful evidence of His own actions, which reveal His relationship with God and His role in salvation.
How to apply John 5:36 to your life
We can reflect on the works of Jesus in our lives today. By observing how God acts in our circumstances, we can strengthen our faith and share our experiences with others. Our actions should also reflect our faith, serving as a testimony to those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 5:36
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 5:36
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 5:36 mean?
John 5:36 means that Jesus claims His works, such as miracles and healings, are a stronger testimony of His divine mission than that of John the Baptist. He emphasizes that these actions prove He was sent by God the Father.
What is the significance of Jesus' works in John 5:36?
In John 5:36, Jesus' works are significant because they serve as evidence of His authority and identity as the Messiah. They demonstrate that His mission is divinely ordained and validate His message.
How does John 5:36 relate to the identity of Jesus?
John 5:36 relates to the identity of Jesus by showing that His miraculous works confirm He is sent by God. This verse highlights that understanding Jesus involves recognizing the power and purpose behind His actions.
What does 'greater testimony' mean in John 5:36?
'Greater testimony' in John 5:36 refers to the idea that Jesus' own miraculous works provide a more compelling proof of His divine mission than the testimony of John the Baptist. It underscores the importance of His actions in revealing His true nature.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.