1 John 5:6
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1 John 5:6 · King James Version
Meaning
According to this verse, Jesus Christ came into the world not only by water but also by blood, symbolizing his dual nature as both fully human and fully divine. The mention of water may refer to Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, symbolizing his earthly ministry and mission to cleanse humanity of sin. The mention of blood likely refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, shedding his blood to atone for the sins of the world. The Spirit mentioned in the verse is the Holy Spirit, who bears witness to the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. The Spirit serves as a guide and source of truth for believers, helping them to discern God's will and understand the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the significance of Jesus coming by water and blood. The mention of water and blood may symbolize the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. The water could represent Jesus' baptism, which marked the beginning of his public ministry, while the blood could symbolize his sacrificial death on the cross for the redemption of humanity. By coming through both water and blood, Jesus fully identifies with humanity and offers salvation through his life, death, and resurrection.
Additionally, the mention of the Spirit bearing witness emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. The Spirit's witness serves as a reliable testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ and the veracity of his teachings. This reinforces the concept of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect unity to reveal God's truth and bring about salvation. The Spirit's witness also underscores the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding and discerning spiritual truths.
1 John 5:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood.
World English Bible
This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
Douay-Rheims
This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth that Christ is the truth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
This is that Iesus Christ that came by water and blood: not by water onely, but by water and blood: and it is that Spirit, that beareth witnesse: for that Spirit is trueth.