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106. Ten Commandments: Whose Witness Is Greater?


God’s Image • Commandment 9: Do Not Bear False Witness

Our examination of false witness has included reports, accusations, and the responsibility to investigate them.

Scripture also speaks of witness beyond human testimony. First John 5 directs our attention to the Spirit, the water, the blood, and God’s testimony concerning His Son.

The Spirit Bears Witness

John identifies Jesus Christ as the One who came through water and blood, emphasizing that both belong to the account. He then states:

“It is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.”

— 1 John 5:6, LSB, excerpt

The Greek μαρτυροῦν — martyroun, from μαρτυρέω — martyreō (G3140), describes bearing witness or testifying. Here, the one bearing witness is the Spirit. Examine 1 John 5:6 in Greek.

We must preserve whom the passage identifies as the witness.

Three in Agreement

Verses 7–8 name three: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. Their witness agrees.

The Greek expression εἰς τὸ ἕν — eis to hen points toward the one thing; the LSB renders their relationship as being in agreement. The three remain named while their agreement is expressed. Examine 1 John 5:8 in Greek.

This gives our study an important detail: when Scripture names witnesses, we must read whom or what the particular passage identifies.

Deuteronomy 19 describes witnesses in a dispute before priests and judges. First John 5 names the Spirit, water, and blood in testimony concerning Jesus Christ. Both passages deserve attention to their own wording and setting. Read Deuteronomy 19:15–18, ASV.

God’s Testimony Concerning His Son

Verse 9 distinguishes human testimony from God’s greater testimony about His Son.

Verse 10 describes the believer as having this witness within himself. It also connects refusing God’s testimony with making Him a liar.

Verses 11–12 identify the testimony’s content: God has given eternal life, that life is in His Son, and having the Son is connected with having life. Read 1 John 5:9–12.

Keep the relationships together: God gives, the life is in His Son, and the believer receives the witness within.

What Governs Our Judgment?

As we examine accusations concerning another person’s faith or relationship with God, these passages give us questions to carry forward:

  • Whose testimony am I treating as decisive?

  • Have I examined the scriptural basis of the accusation?

  • Am I allowing a group’s agreement to replace examination of God’s word?

  • Have I confused someone’s claim to speak for God with God’s own testimony?

  • Am I willing to examine both the claim and the accusation with equal care?

Neither confidence nor the number of people agreeing can replace the need for truth.

Our responsibility is to preserve the witness Scripture gives, including its source, its subject, and what it actually establishes.

Threads to Follow

  • Testing spirits: Read 1 John 4:1–6 alongside the Spirit’s witness.

  • Stephen’s testimony: Keep Acts 6–7 beside accusations made against someone described as speaking by the Spirit.

  • Truth and love: Retain the connection between love for God, His children, and His commandments in 1 John 5:1–3.

The books were opened…

🌿Studies by Maria Emilia ~ 🗺️Continue exploring: Visit Bible Books to find studies organized by book of the Bible, along with related studies and links.

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