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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 3:33 Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/43_Jhn_03_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:33 - John's Testimony about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/3-32.htm" title="John 3:32">◄</a> John 3:33 <a href="/john/3-34.htm" title="John 3:34">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> having received His testimony has set his seal that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who has accepted His testimony has certified that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He who has received His witness has set his seal to <i>this,</i> that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who has received His witness has set his seal to <i>this</i>, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal [of approval] to this: God is true [and he knows that God cannot lie].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who has accepted his testimony has affirmed that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who has accepted His testimony has affirmed that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that hath received his witness hath set his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But everyone who does believe him has shown that God is truthful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that hath received his witness hath set his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have accepted what that person said, and I have affirmed that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The person who has accepted his testimony has acknowledged that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who has accepted his testimony has confirmed clearly that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Any man who has received His testimony has solemnly declared that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />he who is receiving His testimony sealed that God is true;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The <i>one</i> having received His testimony has set his seal that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> he who is receiving his testimony did seal that God is true;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He having received his testimony has fixed a seal that God is true.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified that God is truthful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who accepts his testimony, has set his seal that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But he who receives his testimony attests that God is true.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />He that has received his testimony has solemnly declared that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />The one having received His testimony hath set his seal, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He that receiveth his testimony hath avouched that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he that hath received his testimony, hath set his seal to this, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Any man who has received His testimony has solemnly declared that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />He that received His testimony did set his seal to <i>it</i>, that God is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />He that hath received his testimony, hath set his seal to <i>this,</i> that God is true:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/3-33.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=879" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">John's Testimony about Jesus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">32</span>He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">Whoever</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labōn (V-APA-NMS) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">accepts</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3141.htm" title="3141: martyrian (N-AFS) -- Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.">testimony</a> <a href="/greek/4972.htm" title="4972: esphragisen (V-AIA-3S) -- To seal, set a seal upon. From sphragis; to stamp for security or preservation; by implication, to keep secret, to attest.">has certified</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/227.htm" title="227: alēthēs (Adj-NMS) -- Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.">truthful.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">34</span>For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-31.htm">John 3:31-32</a></span><br />The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. / He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-26.htm">John 8:26</a></span><br />“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a></span><br />Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a></span><br />Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-10.htm">1 John 5:10</a></span><br />Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4</a></span><br />Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a></span><br />God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a></span><br />Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-2.htm">Titus 1:2</a></span><br />in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">2 Corinthians 1:20</a></span><br />For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a></span><br />The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-4.htm">Psalm 33:4</a></span><br />For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is trustworthy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God is true.</p><p class="hdg">hath set.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-3.htm">Romans 3:3,4</a></b></br> For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18-21</a></b></br> Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/1-18.htm">2 Corinthians 1:18</a></b></br> But <i>as</i> God <i>is</i> true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/22-6.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Certified</a> <a href="/john/2-9.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/john/1-49.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/john/3-16.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/3-23.htm">Received</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/luke/23-41.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/matthew/27-66.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/luke/18-29.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/mark/12-14.htm">Truthful</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/3-32.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/5-31.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/ezra/4-14.htm">Certified</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/john/4-21.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/john/4-45.htm">Received</a> <a href="/john/4-36.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/john/4-36.htm">Receiving</a> <a href="/john/6-27.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/john/8-36.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/acts/2-30.htm">Solemnly</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-7.htm">Truthful</a> <a href="/john/4-18.htm">True.</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever accepts His testimony</b><br>This phrase refers to those who receive and believe the message of Jesus Christ. In the context of <a href="/john/3.htm">John 3</a>, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about spiritual rebirth and the necessity of believing in the Son of God. The term "testimony" here is significant, as it underscores the importance of Jesus' words and works as a divine revelation. In the Jewish tradition, a testimony required two or three witnesses to be considered valid (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). Jesus' testimony is supported by the Father and the Holy Spirit, as seen in His baptism (<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16-17</a>). Accepting His testimony is an act of faith, aligning with the broader biblical theme of belief as a pathway to salvation (<a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12</a>, <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>).<p><b>has certified that God is truthful</b><br>To "certify" in this context means to affirm or acknowledge the truthfulness of God's nature and promises. This phrase highlights the believer's role in acknowledging God's faithfulness and reliability. The concept of God's truthfulness is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His unchanging nature and the certainty of His promises (<a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a>, <a href="/titus/1-2.htm">Titus 1:2</a>). By accepting Jesus' testimony, believers are essentially declaring that God is trustworthy and His word is true. This act of certification is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal conviction that aligns with the biblical understanding of faith as trust and reliance on God (<a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in the Gospel of John, whose testimony is being referred to. Jesus is the Son of God, sent to reveal the truth of God to humanity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>The forerunner of Christ, who bears witness to Jesus and His divine mission. His role is crucial in preparing the way for Jesus and affirming His testimony.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a></b><br>Those who accept the testimony of Jesus, acknowledging the truth of God. This group is characterized by faith and trust in the message of Christ.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god_the_father.htm">God the Father</a></b><br>The source of the truth that Jesus testifies to. The acceptance of Jesus' testimony is an affirmation of God's truthfulness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_leaders.htm">The Jewish Leaders</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader context of <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">John 3</a>, often skeptical of Jesus' claims and testimony.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_truth.htm">The Certainty of God's Truth</a></b><br>Accepting Jesus' testimony is an acknowledgment of the absolute truth of God. Believers are called to trust in the reliability of God's word as revealed through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_acceptance.htm">The Role of Faith in Acceptance</a></b><br>Faith is essential in accepting the testimony of Jesus. It is through faith that believers certify God's truthfulness, aligning themselves with His divine purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_witness_of_the_believer.htm">The Witness of the Believer</a></b><br>By accepting Jesus' testimony, believers become witnesses to God's truth in the world. This calls for a life that reflects the truth and integrity of God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_skepticism.htm">The Challenge of Skepticism</a></b><br>In a world often skeptical of absolute truth, believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, trusting in the testimony of Jesus as the ultimate truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_truth.htm">Living Out the Truth</a></b><br>Accepting God's truth is not merely intellectual assent but involves living out the implications of that truth in daily life, impacting how we interact with others and make decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_share_your_christian_testimony.htm">How can you effectively share your Christian testimony?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jesus_god's_only_form_in_oneness.htm">Is Jesus the sole manifestation of God in Oneness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_blasphemy_defy_god's_mercy.htm">Mark 3:29: How does the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit align with or contradict the broader biblical teaching of a merciful and forgiving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_eliphaz_claim_innocents_don't_perish.htm">In Job 4:7, how could Eliphaz assert that no innocent person has ever perished when history shows countless examples of righteous people suffering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(33) <span class= "bld">He that hath received.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">he that</span> <span class= "ital">received.</span> "Hath set to his seal," better, <span class= "ital">set his seal.</span> It had been so. Earlier disciples, as Andrew and John (<a href="/john/1-40.htm" title="One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.">John 1:40</a>), had passed from the Forerunner to the Great Teacher, and had heard in His words that which went to the divine in their own spirits, and had come from the short first meeting with the conviction, "We have found the Messias." They received the witness, and, as they heard it, they too became witnesses. Just as a man sets his private seal--here, probably, the common Eastern stamp that affixed the name is thought of--and by it attests the truth of a document, so they attested, in the power which that witness had over their lives, their recognition of it as truth. It has always been so. The moral fitness of Christianity to meet the spiritual needs of men, and its moral power over the lives of men in all the varying circumstances of culture, race, and creed, has raised up in every age an holy army of witnesses, who have set their seal to its divine truth. (Comp. for the thought of sealing, <a href="/john/6-27.htm" title="Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.">John 6:27</a>; <a href="/romans/4-11.htm" title="And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:">Romans 4:11</a>; <a href="/romans/15-28.htm" title="When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.">Romans 15:28</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" title="If I be not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord.">1Corinthians 9:2</a>; &c.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 33-36.</span> - <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> <span class="accented">The consequences of accepting and rejecting the supreme revelation.</span> <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 33.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that receiveth his witness</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his testimony to what he hath personally seen and heard in the heaven from which he has come - <span class="cmt_word">sealed</span> - (<span class="greek">ἐσφράγισεν</span>), confirmed by such very act, ratified arid vindicated as trustworthy and stable (cf. <a href="/romans/4.htm">Romans 4</a>. l 1; 15:28; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-22.htm">2 Corinthians 1:22</a>. In other places the idea or image of a "seal" is used for guaranteeing a special commission, <a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a> (see notes); <a href="/revelation/7-3.htm">Revelation 7:3</a>; <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Ephesians 1:13</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">that God is true;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> admits that the words of Christ are the words of God, are absolute truth and reality - an idea which is made more obvious by ver. 35, where Jesus is the Ambassador of God. It may even mean more than this, viz. that in Jesus "all the promises of God are Yea and Amen," that God is true in himself, and the witness of Christ embraces all that for which prophecy and promise and previous revelation had prepared the way (see Luthardt and Westcott). Such an idea is certainly beyond the scope of John's ministry or message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/3-33.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Whoever</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accepts</span><br /><span class="grk">λαβὼν</span> <span class="translit">(labōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">His</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">testimony</span><br /><span class="grk">μαρτυρίαν</span> <span class="translit">(martyrian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3141.htm">Strong's 3141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has certified</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσφράγισεν</span> <span class="translit">(esphragisen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4972.htm">Strong's 4972: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seal, set a seal upon. From sphragis; to stamp for security or preservation; by implication, to keep secret, to attest.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">truthful.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθής</span> <span class="translit">(alēthēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/3-33.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:33 He who has received his witness has (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:34" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>