But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
Parallel translations
- WEB But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me.
- KJV 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.
- NKJV But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.
- NASB But the testimony I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.
- NLT But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jesus has a greater witness than John: the works the Father gave him to accomplish. His miracles testify that the Father sent him.
Overview
Jesus appeals to his works, the signs given by the Father, as testimony greater than John's. These works reveal his divine commission and identity. The miracles are not mere wonders but evidence that Jesus is the Son sent by the Father.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 16
- John 10:25“I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf.
- John 2:23While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.
- John 15:24If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father.
- John 10:37–38If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me.
- John 9:30–33“That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.
- 1 Jn 5:9Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.
- John 3:2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
- Matt 11:4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
- John 14:10–11Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.
- 1 Jn 5:11–12And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
- Acts 2:22Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.
- John 3:17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
- John 5:32There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.
- John 4:34Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
- John 11:37But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?”
- John 17:4I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
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Christ at the center
John declares him plainly: the eternal Word made flesh, the Lamb of God, the great 'I AM' — bread, light, door, shepherd, way, truth, life, resurrection — that you may believe and have life in his name.
How John 5:36 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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