John 21 24

John 21:24 kjv

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

John 21:24 nkjv

This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

John 21:24 niv

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

John 21:24 esv

This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

John 21:24 nlt

This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

John 21 24 Cross References

VerseTextReference
John 1:14...we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father...Witnesses to Christ's glory
John 1:16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.Fullness of Christ
John 1:32-34...and I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove... and I have borne witness that this is the Son of God.John the Baptist's witness
John 3:31-34He whom God has sent utters the words of God...John the Baptist's testimony
John 19:35He who saw it has borne witness, and his witness is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth, that you also may believe.Similar phrasing for the cross
1 John 1:1-3...that you also may have fellowship with us...First Epistle affirms witness
1 John 5:6-10...and the Spirit is the testimony, because the Spirit is the truth...Spirit as witness
1 John 5:11-13This is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life...Assurance of eternal life
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...Empowerment for witness
Acts 10:41...to us who had eaten and drunk with him after he rose from the dead.Witnesses to the resurrection
Acts 20:24...testifying of the gospel of the grace of God.Paul's dedication to witness
1 Corinthians 15:3-7...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures...Gospel eyewitness accounts
Galatians 1:8-9But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.Guarding the truth of the Gospel
Philippians 3:10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection...Deepening knowledge of Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:5for our gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.Impact of the gospel message
Hebrews 2:3-4how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and afterward attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.Corroboration of the Gospel
Revelation 1:1-2...who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ...Revelation of Jesus Christ
Revelation 19:10...For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.Spirit of Prophecy
Revelation 22:18-19...if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues...Warnings about the text
Proverbs 18:17The first to present his case seems right, till another comes and questions him.Two witnesses are necessary
Numbers 27:21...He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim...Seeking divine confirmation
Deuteronomy 19:15A single witness shall not avail against a man...Legal requirement for witnesses
2 Corinthians 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. On the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a matter be confirmed.Scriptural principle of witnesses

John 21 verses

John 21 24 Meaning

This verse confirms the testimony of the Beloved Disciple. It states that his witness about Jesus is true and that he knows that what he has written is factually accurate.

John 21 24 Context

This verse concludes the Gospel of John. Following the resurrection of Jesus, John recounts their personal encounters and Jesus' interactions with them, particularly Peter. The context is the affirmation of the divine testimony regarding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, specifically emphasizing the truthfulness of John's own account. It serves to solidify the reader's belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, intended to bring salvation. The book itself aims to lead people to believe in Jesus and, through belief, to have eternal life (John 20:31). This final verse directly supports that overarching goal by underscoring the reliability of the testimony presented.

John 21 24 Word analysis

  • οἶδα (oida): This is the first-person singular perfect form of the Greek verb eido, meaning "to know" or "to understand." In the perfect tense, it denotes a state of knowing, implying a deep, certain, and unchanging knowledge. It's not just about acquiring information, but possessing settled understanding.
  • ὅτι (hoti): This is a Greek conjunction meaning "that." It introduces a subordinate clause, specifying what the subject knows.
  • γράφω (graphō): This is the first-person singular present active indicative of the Greek verb graphō, meaning "to write." The present tense here signifies an ongoing action or a timeless truth being conveyed through writing.
  • ὑμεῖς (hymeis): This is the second-person plural nominative pronoun, meaning "you." It refers to the intended audience of the Gospel.
  • πιστεύητε (pisteuete): This is the second-person plural present active subjunctive of the Greek verb pisteuō, meaning "to believe" or "to trust." The subjunctive mood here suggests purpose or outcome, implying that the writing is done so that they may believe.

words-group by words-group analysis

  • οἶδα ὅτι γράφω (oida hoti graphō): "I know that I write." This signifies the author's personal assurance and certainty in the truth of his written account. It’s a declaration of absolute conviction based on his direct experience and divine inspiration.
  • ὑμεῖς πιστεύητε (hymeis pisteuete): "You may believe." This clause states the explicit purpose of the author's writing and his certainty in it – to lead the readers to faith.

John 21 24 Bonus section

The statement "I know that I write" could be interpreted in light of the legal principle, also found in Jewish law and referenced by Paul in the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 13:1; Deuteronomy 19:15), that a matter is established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. John's Gospel is presented as this specific testimony, complementing the witness of the Spirit and the testimony of other disciples. It also implicitly contrasts with false witnesses or speculative claims. The inclusion of this final, emphatic assertion serves to authenticate the entire narrative, ensuring the reader understands the historical reliability and divine authority behind the account of Jesus' life and ministry. This personal affirmation from John lends weight and credibility to the Gospel's extraordinary claims.

John 21 24 Commentary

This concluding verse is a powerful affirmation of the Gospel's truthfulness and its ultimate purpose. The author, John the Beloved Disciple, declares his personal knowledge and certainty in the accuracy of his testimony about Jesus. This assurance is rooted in his direct eyewitness experience and divine inspiration. The declaration "I know that I write" emphasizes the trustworthiness of the Gospel account for the readers ("you"). The intended outcome is their belief in Jesus Christ, leading them to eternal life, which is the central theme of John's Gospel. This verse reinforces the authoritative nature of the text, urging readers to place their faith in the verifiable witness presented, assured that it leads to true understanding and salvation.