This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John emphasizes that Jesus didn't just arrive with "water" (like baptism or his earthly life) but crucially, also with "blood" – pointing to his sacrificial death. This dual coming, the earthly life and the atoning death, is what the Spirit confirms as the true testimony. The Spirit itself is truth, meaning its witness isn't just accurate, but the very essence of reality concerning Jesus.
This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to address those who are denying that Jesus is the Christ who has come in the flesh, suggesting they are Gnostic heretics. He emphasizes that Jesus' identity is proven not just by His earthly ministry (water) but also by His atoning sacrifice (blood), and the Holy Spirit confirms this truth. This understanding is crucial for having eternal life, which John contrasts with the false teachings spreading among the believers.
John mentions 'water and blood' twice in this short verse. What profound truths is he highlighting about Jesus' identity and mission?
The Dual Witness
John is pointing to two critical events that authenticate Jesus as the Christ:
By mentioning both, John emphasizes that Jesus' ministry wasn't just about His teachings or miracles; it was about His entire life, death, and the redemptive work He accomplished. He came to live, and He came to die for us.
If water and blood are key historical events, what role does the Spirit play in all of this?
The Spirit's Affirmation
John doesn't leave us with just historical markers. He adds a crucial third witness: the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit's testimony isn't a separate event but an ongoing affirmation of the truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection.
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Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The historical, divine person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah (Anointed One) who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and serves as the Savior of the world. He is both fully God and fully man, the central focus of Christian faith.
pneuma · Greek Noun
A fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith referring to the third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, guides them into truth, and bears witness to the work of Christ. He is described as holy, eternal, and the active agent of God in the world.
alētheia · Greek Noun
In biblical theology, 'truth' refers not merely to factual correctness but to reality as it exists in God, the absolute, unchanging nature of His character and word. God is the source and standard of all truth, which is revealed supremely in Jesus Christ.
John emphasizes the physical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection – signified by water and blood – as proof of his divine nature. This contrasts with early heretical views that denied Jesus' full humanity.
c. AD 25-30
Jesus' Baptism
John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, an event marked by the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God's Son. This event signifies Jesus' public inauguration and divine identity.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Death
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha. The scriptures record that blood and water flowed from his side after a soldier pierced it with a spear, a physical testament to his death.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus is raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion, powerfully validating his claims and atoning work. This event is central to the Christian faith.
c. AD 33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem at Pentecost, empowering them to bear witness to Jesus Christ. This marks the beginning of the Church's mission.
c. AD 90-100
Writing of 1 John
The Apostle John writes his first letter, likely in Ephesus. He addresses themes of fellowship with God, righteousness, love, and discerning true belief, combating early forms of Gnosticism and other heresies.
This passage directly describes the blood and water flowing from Jesus' side after His crucifixion, validating the 'water and blood' mentioned in 1 John as referring to His death and sacrifice.
1 Peter 3:21This verse connects baptism (symbolized by water) with the resurrection of Jesus, highlighting the significance of the 'water' aspect as a sign of new life and cleansing.
Romans 8:16It speaks of the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, paralleling how the Spirit in 1 John testifies to Jesus' identity and truth.
John 15:26Jesus Himself promises that the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, will testify about Him, directly supporting the Spirit's role as a witness.
John emphasizes that Jesus didn't just arrive with "water" (like baptism or his earthly life) but crucially, also with "blood" – pointing to his sacrificial death. This dual coming, the earthly life and the atoning death, is what the Spirit confirms as the true testimony. The Spirit itself is truth, meaning its witness isn't just accurate, but the very essence of reality concerning Jesus.
John is writing to address those who are denying that Jesus is the Christ who has come in the flesh, suggesting they are Gnostic heretics. He emphasizes that Jesus' identity is proven not just by His earthly ministry (water) but also by His atoning sacrifice (blood), and the Holy Spirit confirms this truth. This understanding is crucial for having eternal life, which John contrasts with the false teachings spreading among the believers.
John is writing to address those who are denying that Jesus is the Christ who has come in the flesh, suggesting they are Gnostic heretics. He emphasizes that Jesus' identity is proven not just by His earthly ministry (water) but also by His atoning sacrifice (blood), and the Holy Spirit confirms this truth. This understanding is crucial for having eternal life, which John contrasts with the false teachings spreading among the believers.
"This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth." — John emphasizes that Jesus didn't just arrive with "water" (like baptism or his earthly life) but crucially, also with "blood" – pointing to his sacrificial death. This dual coming, the earthly life…
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Last reviewed October 2026