And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

JOHN 19:35KJV
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John 19:35 (KJV)

What does John 19:35 mean?

John 19:35 states that the person who witnessed the events being described is giving a true and reliable account, and he knows his testimony is trustworthy so that others may believe. The verse emphasizes the honesty and certainty of the eyewitness report.

In this verse, the writer of the Gospel of John steps forward to assure readers that what he has described—specifically, the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion—comes from his own direct observation. John is addressing anyone reading or hearing his account, underlining that he is not passing along rumors or secondhand stories. His purpose is to encourage confidence in his testimony so that readers can trust and believe what he has written about Jesus.

The Greek behind John 19:35

  • The word "record" (μαρτυρέω, martureō) means to bear witness or testify. This term is often used in legal or formal contexts, highlighting that John is making a serious, sworn statement about what he saw.
  • The word "true" (ἀληθινή, alēthinē and ἀληθής, alēthēs) is used twice, both for the testimony and for what is said. The repetition stresses the reliability and factual nature of John's account.
  • The phrase "that ye might believe" uses the word πιστεύω (pisteuō), which means to trust or have faith. John’s stated goal is not just to inform but to lead readers to genuine belief based on trustworthy evidence.

Why John 19:35 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about whether the Gospel’s account of Jesus’ death is based on hearsay; John insists he is an eyewitness.
  • John’s emphasis on truthfulness and reliability is meant to build trust with readers, showing that faith in Jesus is grounded in real events.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in John’s Gospel of testimony and belief, highlighting that the purpose of his writing is to lead others to faith through honest reporting.

Where else these words appear

“he” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
  • Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“record” Greek G3141 · used in 33 verses

  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • John 5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
  • 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.