New Testament
John 5:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe the one he sent.
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And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
What John 5:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time, pointing out a significant issue: they do not have God's word living in them. This lack of connection to God's word stems from their disbelief in Jesus, whom God sent as the Messiah. The implication is that true understanding and acceptance of God's message come through faith in Jesus. The leaders prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, yet they failed to recognize that the Scriptures pointed to Jesus. This highlights a critical disconnect between knowledge and belief. To truly have God's word within us, we must believe in Jesus and accept His teachings. Without this belief, even the most profound knowledge of Scripture is ineffective and empty. Jesus emphasizes that faith in Him is essential for a genuine relationship with God and for understanding His word.
How to apply John 5:38 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we truly believing in Jesus and allowing His teachings to shape our lives? It reminds us that mere knowledge of Scripture is not enough; we must actively believe and live out God's word to experience its transformative power.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
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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.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Key themes
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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 5:38 mean?
John 5:38 means that the religious leaders do not have God's word in their hearts because they do not believe in Jesus, whom God sent. This verse highlights the importance of faith in Jesus for truly understanding and accepting God's message.
What is the significance of believing in Jesus in John 5:38?
Believing in Jesus is crucial according to John 5:38 because it is through faith in Him that one can truly have God's word within them. Without this belief, knowledge of Scripture is ineffective.
How does John 5:38 relate to religious leaders' knowledge of Scripture?
John 5:38 points out that despite the religious leaders' extensive knowledge of Scripture, they failed to recognize that it pointed to Jesus. This shows that knowledge alone is not enough without belief.
What is the main message of John 5:38?
The main message of John 5:38 is that true understanding of God's word requires belief in Jesus. It emphasizes that faith is essential for a genuine relationship with God.
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