Paragraph 5:10–12

Read 5:10–12 in both Berean Standard Bible and Good News Translation. Compare the two versions.

Paragraph Theme: Here John shows that believing in Jesus can cause us to be confident that we have eternal life.

5:10b

this testimony: (Pronoun Reference) This refers to the testimony mentioned in the previous verses (5:6–9) by which the Holy Spirit assures us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

within him: (Meaning) This means that such a person has no doubts that these things are true because he is fully assured of them in himself.

5:10c

whoever does not believe God: (Logical Relationship) Even though this sentence refers to God instead of Jesus Christ, it is meant as a direct contrast to the last sentence (5:10a–b). In translation a conjunction such as “but” may be needed to introduce it. See Good News Translation, New English Bible.

does not believe God: (Meaning) This refers to not believing what God says about his Son. It does not mean, “does not believe in God.”

5:10d

has made Him out: (Meaning) John means that to refuse to believe God is the same as saying that God is a liar.

5:10e

because: (Logical Relationship) This gives the reason why John says that refusing to believe God is the same as saying he is a liar.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.