The Meaning of "Show" in John 5:39-40
Understanding "Show" in John 5:39-40
In John 5:39-40, Jesus says, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" [1]. The Greek word translated as "search" or "study" is ἐρευνάτε (ereunate), and the phrase "bear witness about me" is closely tied to the concept of "showing" or testifying to Jesus' identity and mission.
The term "show" is not directly used in John 5:39-40 but is relevant in understanding the surrounding verses. In John 5:20, Jesus says, "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing" [2]. Here, the word "shows" (δείκνυσιν, deiknysin) implies revealing or demonstrating. This context is crucial for understanding Jesus' statement about the Scriptures bearing witness about him.
The literary context of John 5:39-40 is a courtroom drama where Jesus defends his actions and identity [4]. Jesus presents several witnesses to his divine mission, with the Scriptures being the fourth witness. The Old Testament is seen as pointing to the Messiah, and Jesus is the fulfillment of its prophecies [5].
The historical setting is during a Jewish festival, likely a Sabbath, where Jesus heals a man, leading to controversy with the Jewish leaders. Jesus' defense involves explaining his relationship with the Father and the witness of his works, the Father, and the Scriptures.
The key term "show" or "demonstrate" relates to how Jesus and the Scriptures reveal or testify to Jesus' identity. In John 5:20, "show" is used to describe the Father's action of revealing his works to the Son. This action of "showing" is a demonstration of the Father's love for the Son and is mirrored in how the Scriptures "bear witness" to Jesus.
The major exegetical decision revolves around understanding the role of the Scriptures in bearing witness to Jesus. The phrase "it is they that bear witness about me" suggests that the Scriptures are a testimony to Jesus' identity and mission. The cross-references provided [3] highlight the connection between searching the Scriptures and finding eternal life, emphasizing that the Scriptures point to Jesus as the source of eternal life.
The range of interpretations on John 5:39-40 includes understanding the Scriptures as a witness to Jesus. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Jesus is saying that the Scriptures testify to him, and yet the Jews refuse to come to him for life [7]. This interpretation is in line with the Protestant academic view that sees Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The passage has functioned in tradition as a call to understand the Scriptures in light of Jesus' life and teachings. The early Christian community saw Jesus as the key to understanding the Old Testament, and this passage has been used to emphasize the importance of Christocentric interpretation of Scripture.
The concept of "showing" or testifying is central to John's Gospel, where Jesus is shown to be the one who reveals the Father. The works Jesus does, the witness of the Father, and the testimony of the Scriptures all "show" or demonstrate his divine identity. In John 5:39-40, Jesus critiques the Jewish leaders for not coming to him despite the Scriptures bearing witness to him, highlighting a tension between the written testimony and the personal encounter with Jesus.
The understanding of "show" in this context is tied to the idea of revelation and testimony. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's glory, as seen in other parts of the Johannine literature and referenced in Isaiah [6]. The act of "showing" is thus a divine action that reveals Jesus' true identity and mission.
Sources
- John “John 5:41 (YLT) — glory from man I do not receive,”
- John “John 5:20 (LITV) — For the Father loves the Son and shows to Him all things which He does. And He will show Him greater works than these in order that you may marvel.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “John 5:39 cross-references: Deuteronomy 11:18, Deuteronomy 17:18, Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18, Deuteronomy 32:47, Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2, Psalms 16:11, Psalms 21:4, Psalms 36:9, Psalms 119:11, Psalms 119:97, Psalms 133:3, Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 8:33, Isaiah 8:20, Isaiah 34:16, Jeremiah 8:9, Daniel 12:2, Matthew 19:16, Matthew 22:29, Mark 10:3, Mark 12:10, Luke 10:25, Luke 16:29, Luke 16:31, Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44, John 1:45, John 5:32, John 5:36, John 5:46, John 7:52, Acts 8:32, Acts 13:27, Acts 17:11, Acts 26:22, Acts 26:27, Romans 1:2, Romans 2:17, Romans 3:2, Colossians 3:16, 2 Ti”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 5:1: 5:1–10:42 In this section Jesus appears at a series of Jewish festivals and uses their imagery to reveal more profound truths about himself. He appears at a Sabbath (ch 5), Passover (ch 6), the Festival of Shelters (chs 7–9), and Hanukkah (ch 10). In each case, Jesus himself replaces some vital element in the ceremonies of the festival. 5:1-40 This chapter reads like a courtroom drama, with a description of the crime (5:1-15), followed by a decision to prosecute (5:16), a description of the charges (5:18), and Jesus’ defense (5:17, 19-40). 5:1 one of the Jewish holy ”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 5:39: 5:39-40 Jesus’ fourth witness was the Scriptures. The Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled its prophecies (see Luke 24:25-27).”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 40:5: 40:5 The future revelation of God’s glory would include the return of Judah from exile but would also go beyond it. The New Testament confirmed that the revelation of God’s glory came in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Heb 1:3). • The Lord has spoken: The coming salvation and judgment would certainly occur because the Lord, who keeps his word, had declared it (see Isa 1:20; 58:14).”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:36: I have greater witness--rather, "The witness which I have is greater." the works . . . bear witness of me--not simply as miracles nor even as a miracle of mercy, but these miracles, as He did them, with a will and a power, a majesty and a grace manifestly His own.”