Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "whoever does not believe God has made him a liar" as a harsh judgment, but John's point is actually about integrity. By refusing God's undeniable witness to Jesus, you're essentially calling God untrustworthy, which is an impossible truth to stand behind.
Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is building a case for the truth of Jesus, contrasting those who believe with those who reject him. Right before this, he’s emphasized that God’s testimony about Jesus is a divine seal of approval. This verse then directly links belief in the Son to possessing that inner testimony, while unbelief is framed as a denial of God’s own word.
What does it really mean to believe in Jesus? It's more than just agreeing with facts; it's about experiencing a profound inner reality.
John tells us that true belief in Jesus isn't just an intellectual assent; it’s accompanied by an internal witness.
The Inner Witness
When you truly believe in the Son of God, you possess the 'testimony in yourself.' This means God's Spirit confirms the truth of Jesus within your heart and mind. It's a deep-seated knowing, a certainty that transcends doubt. This inner confirmation isn't something we conjure up; it's a gift given to those who trust in Christ. It's the Holy Spirit assuring us of our adoption and the truth of God's Word.
The Contrast
Conversely, John highlights the stark reality for those who refuse to believe. Their unbelief doesn't just leave them without this inner witness; it actively labels God as a liar. This is a serious charge! It implies that by rejecting God's testimony about His Son, a person is essentially saying God's words are false. The testimony God offers is His powerful, undeniable witness to Jesus.
It sounds harsh, but John doesn't pull punches. What does it mean for our rejection of Jesus to make God out to be a liar?
This is one of the most challenging statements in the verse: 'Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar.' Let's unpack this serious accusation.
God's Undeniable Testimony
God has borne witness to His Son in numerous ways: through the Old Testament prophecies, through the miracles Jesus performed, through His own voice from heaven, and most powerfully, through His resurrection. John lists some of these testimonies in the preceding verses (e.g., the Spirit, the water, the blood). These are not weak suggestions; they are God's definitive affirmations of who Jesus is.
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The Act of Rejection
When someone rejects Jesus, they are not simply saying, 'I disagree.' They are fundamentally rejecting the very source of truth – God Himself. By refusing to accept the evidence and testimony God has provided about His Son, they are essentially declaring that God's witness is false. It's a profound act of defiance that has eternal consequences, not because God is flawed, but because the rejection is aimed at His ultimate truth.
Understand the original words
Huios tou Theou · Greek Noun
The Second Person of the Trinity, eternally begotten of the Father. This title emphasizes His unique relationship with God the Father and His status as the divine mediator through whom humanity has access to God.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
Biblical belief is not merely intellectual assent to facts but a living, active trust, reliance, and commitment of one's whole self to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the necessary condition for salvation and is produced by the Holy Spirit.
pseustēs · Greek Noun
One who speaks untruths or denies the reality of God's revelation. In a theological context, to call God a 'liar' is to reject His definitive testimony regarding His Son, thereby placing oneself in opposition to the truth.
This passage directly echoes the core idea of 1 John 5:10, stating that belief in the Son leads to eternal life, while disbelief results in God's wrath.
Hebrews 11:6It highlights the essential nature of faith, explaining that without belief in God's existence and His role as a rewarder, it's impossible to please Him, reinforcing the weight of 1 John's assertion about making God a liar through disbelief.
Acts 17:11This passage commends the Bereans for their earnest examination of the Scriptures to verify what they heard, showing a proactive engagement with truth that aligns with the kind of belief John is talking about – one that is grounded and bears internal witness.
1 John 5:9This verse immediately precedes 1 John 5:10 and acts as its direct setup, stating that we accept the testimony of God, and this is the testimony He has borne about His Son.
It's easy to read "whoever does not believe God has made him a liar" as a harsh judgment, but John's point is actually about integrity. By refusing God's undeniable witness to Jesus, you're essentially calling God untrustworthy, which is an impossible truth to stand behind.
John is building a case for the truth of Jesus, contrasting those who believe with those who reject him. Right before this, he’s emphasized that God’s testimony about Jesus is a divine seal of approval. This verse then directly links belief in the Son to possessing that inner testimony, while unbelief is framed as a denial of God’s own word.
John is building a case for the truth of Jesus, contrasting those who believe with those who reject him. Right before this, he’s emphasized that God’s testimony about Jesus is a divine seal of approval. This verse then directly links belief in the Son to possessing that inner testimony, while unbelief is framed as a denial of God’s own word.
"Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son." — It's easy to read "whoever does not believe God has made him a liar" as a harsh judgment, but John's point is actually about integrity. By refusing God's undeniable witness to Jesus, you're essenti…
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Last reviewed October 2026