John 3:11
Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus uses the plural "we" here not as a majestic title, but to include all who truly know God and have experienced His Spirit, contrasting their firsthand knowledge with Nicodemus's intellectual but unreceived understanding. This highlights that genuine spiritual truth isn't just taught, but lived and seen, and that rejection stems from a refusal to accept this experienced reality.
Jesus is correcting Nicodemus's confusion about spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that true understanding comes from divine knowledge, not just human intellect. Following Jesus's explanation of spiritual realities using the analogy of wind, he uses this verse to assert the certainty and firsthand nature of his message, contrasting it with Nicodemus's continued resistance. This leads directly into Jesus's questioning of how Nicodemus can believe in heavenly matters if he struggles with earthly spiritual truths.
Ever heard someone talk about faith like they're just repeating facts? Jesus contrasts that with a different kind of knowing.
Jesus uses the phrase 'we speak that we know, and testify that we have seen' to highlight the source of His message. This isn't just abstract theology; it's grounded in direct experience and knowledge.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about John 3:11 is available in the Sola app.
Why did Jesus shift from 'I' to 'we' in this crucial moment? It hints at something bigger than just Him.
The use of 'we' in 'we speak' and 'we have seen' is significant. While Jesus is the primary speaker and witness, He includes others in this declaration.
Jesus delivers a profound truth, but His next words reveal a deep sadness. What causes this heartache?
The verse concludes with a somber note: 'but you do not receive our testimony.' This highlights the human element of disbelief and its consequences.
Understand the original words
amēn amēn · Greek Interjection/Adverb
A double emphatic formula used by Jesus to underscore the absolute certainty, truthfulness, and divine authority of his following statement. It serves as a call for the hearer to pay close attention.
martyreō · Greek Verb
To affirm, testify, or give evidence about something one has personally observed or experienced. In a biblical context, it often refers to bearing witness to the truth of God's revelation.
martyria · Greek Noun
The declaration or evidence provided by a witness, particularly regarding the truth of God or the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rejecting this testimony is equated with rejecting God.
This conversation with Nicodemus happens early in Jesus' ministry, a time when his message of spiritual rebirth is new and met with significant resistance from the established religious authorities.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Early Ministry in Judea
Jesus begins his public ministry in Judea, teaching, performing miracles, and gathering disciples. His message emphasizes the Kingdom of God and a new spiritual reality.
c. 27-30 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes in the Jordan River, preparing the way for the Messiah. He also witnesses Jesus' identity and ministry.
c. 27-30 AD
Jewish Religious Leadership Skepticism
Many of the religious leaders, like Nicodemus, are resistant to Jesus' claims and teachings, questioning his authority and the nature of his mission.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Growing Following
Jesus' ministry attracts crowds and a core group of disciples, including the Twelve Apostles, who become witnesses to his life and teachings.
This passage echoes John 3:11 by emphasizing that the apostles are testifying about Jesus Christ because they have seen Him, heard Him, and touched Him, grounding their message in direct experience.
John 1:10-11This connects to John 3:11 by highlighting the rejection Jesus faced from His own people, illustrating the pattern of disbelief mentioned by Jesus.
John 15:27Jesus tells His disciples that they will bear witness because they have been with Him from the beginning, mirroring the 'we speak what we know and testify what we have seen' sentiment in John 3:11.
Acts 4:20Peter and John declare, 'For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,' which directly parallels the conviction and testimony described by Jesus in John 3:11.
Hebrews 12:2This verse describes Jesus as the 'founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,' underscoring the certainty and purpose behind His testimony, aligning with His claim in John 3:11 to speak from direct knowledge.
ellicottJohn 3:11: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness."
(11) Once again the “Verily, verily” of deeper truth. “We speak that we do know” is in sharp contrast to their formal teaching of matters external to the truth. The plural is not usual in the language of Christ, and the immediate passage to the singular forbids us to accept the usual grammatical explanation that it is the plural of majesty. He apparently joins o…
vincentJohn 3:11: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness."
We speak - we know - we have seenAfter the use of the singular number in John 3:3, John 3:5, John 3:7, John 3:12, the plural here is noteworthy. It is not merely rhetorical - "a plural of majesty" - but is explained by John 3:8, "every one that is born of the Spirit." The new birth imparts a new vision. The man who is born of the Spirit hath eternal life (John 3…
Jesus uses the plural "we" here not as a majestic title, but to include all who truly know God and have experienced His Spirit, contrasting their firsthand knowledge with Nicodemus's intellectual but unreceived understanding. This highlights that genuine spiritual truth isn't just taught, but lived and seen, and that rejection stems from a refusal to accept this experienced reality.
Jesus is correcting Nicodemus's confusion about spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that true understanding comes from divine knowledge, not just human intellect. Following Jesus's explanation of spiritual realities using the analogy of wind, he uses this verse to assert the certainty and firsthand nature of his message, contrasting it with Nicodemus's continued resistance. This leads directly into Jesus's questioning of how Nicodemus can believe in heavenly matters if he struggles with earthly spiritual truths.
Jesus is correcting Nicodemus's confusion about spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that true understanding comes from divine knowledge, not just human intellect. Following Jesus's explanation of spiritual realities using the analogy of wind, he uses this verse to assert the certainty and firsthand nature of his message, contrasting it with Nicodemus's continued resistance. This leads directly into Jesus's questioning of how Nicodemus can believe in heavenly matters if he struggles with earthly spiritual truths.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony." — Jesus uses the plural "we" here not as a majestic title, but to include all who truly know God and have experienced His Spirit, contrasting their firsthand knowledge with Nicodemus's intellectual b…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
