Meaning of 1 John 5:7

This verse, 1 John 5:7, is famously known as the Comma Johanneum and asserts the doctrine of the Trinity by stating, "For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree." The verse's presence in some ancient manuscripts, particularly later Latin ones, has led to considerable debate regarding its authenticity and original inclusion in the New Testament canon. Modern critical editions of the Greek New Testament, based on earlier and more reliable manuscripts, generally omit this verse or place it in a footnote, considering it a later interpolation. Despite its textual critical challenges, the verse, where it appears, serves as a concise affirmation of the Triune nature of God and the unified testimony of the Spirit, Christ's atoning sacrifice (symbolized by water and blood), which together validate the Christian faith.

Textual Criticism and Authenticity

The overwhelming consensus among textual critics is that the phrase "in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth:" is a later addition to the original text of 1 John. This longer version, often cited as 1 John 5:7-8, is absent from the vast majority of early Greek manuscripts and many early Latin translations. Its appearance in later manuscripts, particularly from the medieval period, is often attributed to theological harmonization and the desire to explicitly state the Trinity within Scripture. Therefore, when interpreting the New Testament, scholars primarily rely on the shorter, more ancient textual tradition.

The Shorter Text and its Meaning

In the more widely accepted textual tradition, verse 7 reads, "For there are three that testify:" followed by verse 8, "the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree." Within this context, the "three witnesses" are understood as distinct but harmonious elements that bear witness to Jesus Christ and the truth of the Gospel.

• The Spirit: Refers to the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, confirms the truth of God's word, and empowers the Christian life. His presence is a testament to God's work in the world.
• The Water: Often interpreted symbolically as representing baptism, signifying cleansing and new life in Christ, or as the outpouring of Christ's life-giving spirit.
• The Blood: Symbolically points to Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, which redeems humanity and secures salvation.

Key Themes and Messages (of the shorter text)

The core message of the shorter text is testimony and unity. It emphasizes that God provides multiple, undeniable witnesses to the truth of His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. These witnesses are not contradictory but are in complete agreement, reinforcing the reliability of the Christian message. This unity also points to the consistent nature of God's revelation and His plan of salvation.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, the testimony of the Spirit, water, and blood offers profound assurance. The Spirit's inner witness confirms the truth of the Gospel in our hearts. The symbolism of water and blood points to the foundational reality of Christ's sacrifice and His cleansing power. This unified testimony encourages faith, strengthens conviction, and provides a basis for confident witness to others. It reminds us that our faith is not based on mere human assertion but on divine attestation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of divine testimony is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. From God's declarations at creation and theophanies to the pronouncements of prophets and the witness of Jesus Himself, God consistently provides evidence of His nature and purposes. The three witnesses in 1 John are consistent with this pattern, highlighting the multifaceted way God reveals Himself. The unity of these witnesses also echoes the overarching narrative of God's consistent and unfailing plan of salvation, culminating in Christ.

Analogies

• A Court of Law: Imagine a court case where multiple credible witnesses all corroborate the same facts. Their combined testimony makes the truth undeniable. Similarly, the Spirit, water, and blood offer converging evidence for the truth of Christianity.
• A Three-Legged Stool: A stool with three legs is stable and functional. If one leg is removed, it collapses. The three witnesses, though distinct, are essential and work together to support the truth of the Gospel.
• A Musical Chord: Different notes played together can create a harmonious and powerful chord. The Spirit, water, and blood, while distinct, combine to create a rich and resonant testimony to God's truth.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 15:26: Jesus promises, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." This directly aligns with the Spirit as a witness.
• John 19:34-35: After Jesus' crucifixion, "one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe." This verse explicitly links blood and water to a truthful testimony about Jesus.
• 1 John 5:6: The preceding verse states, "This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood." This verse directly sets up the explanation of the witnesses in verse 8, emphasizing that Christ's coming involved both the symbolic cleansing of water and the redemptive sacrifice of His blood.