John 20:31
New International Version
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

New Living Translation
But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

English Standard Version
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Berean Standard Bible
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

Berean Literal Bible
But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

King James Bible
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

New King James Version
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

New American Standard Bible
but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.

NASB 1995
but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

NASB 1977
but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Legacy Standard Bible
but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Amplified Bible
but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.

Christian Standard Bible
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.

American Standard Version
but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

Contemporary English Version
But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.

English Revised Version
but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But these miracles have been written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in him.

Good News Translation
But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life.

International Standard Version
But these have been recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that through believing you may have life in his name.

Majority Standard Bible
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

NET Bible
But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

New Heart English Bible
but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Webster's Bible Translation
But these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life through his name.

Weymouth New Testament
But these have been recorded in order that you may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, through believing, you may have Life through His name.

World English Bible
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His Name.

Berean Literal Bible
But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

Young's Literal Translation
and these have been written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in his name.'

Smith's Literal Translation
But these have been written, that ye might believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life in his name.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But these things have been written, so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that, in believing, you may have life in his name.

New American Bible
But these are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

New Revised Standard Version
But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Even these are written, so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and when you believe you shall have life everlasting in his name.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But these things are also written that you may believe that Yeshua is The Messiah, the Son of God, and when you believe, you shall have eternal life in his name.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life through his name.

Godbey New Testament
and these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; and in order that believing you may have life through His name.

Haweis New Testament
but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Mace New Testament
but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messias, the son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Weymouth New Testament
But these have been recorded in order that you may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, through believing, you may have Life through His name.

Worrell New Testament
but these have been written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that, believing, ye may have life in His name.

Worsley New Testament
but these things are written, that ye may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life through his name.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Purpose of John's Book
30Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

Cross References
John 1:12
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 5:24
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.

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

1 John 5:13
I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Acts 16:31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

1 John 4:15
If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

1 John 5:1
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him.

Luke 24:44-47
Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” / Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. / And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ...

Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Mark 1:1
This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.


Treasury of Scripture

But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.

these.

John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 1:49
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

John 6:69,70
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God…

believing.

John 3:15,16,18,36
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life…

John 5:24,39,40
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life…

John 6:40
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

through.

Luke 24:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Jump to Previous
Believe Believing Christ Faith Jesus Life Order Recorded Written
Jump to Next
Believe Believing Christ Faith Jesus Life Order Recorded Written
John 20
1. Mary comes to the tomb;
3. so do Peter and John, ignorant of the resurrection.
11. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene,
19. and to his disciples.
24. The incredulity and confession of Thomas.
30. The Scripture is sufficient to salvation.














But these are written
The Gospel of John is a carefully curated account of Jesus' life and ministry. The author, traditionally identified as the Apostle John, selected specific signs and teachings of Jesus to convey a theological message. This phrase indicates intentionality in the writing, suggesting that the events and teachings included serve a specific purpose. The Gospel is not merely a historical record but a theological document aimed at fostering faith.

so that you may believe
The purpose of John's Gospel is evangelistic and apologetic. The aim is to lead readers to faith in Jesus. This reflects the broader mission of the early church, which sought to spread the message of Jesus as the Messiah. The use of "believe" is central to John's theology, emphasizing trust and reliance on Jesus for salvation.

that Jesus is the Christ
"Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." This title connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecies about a coming savior and king. Passages like Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 are often seen as prophetic foreshadowings of Jesus' life and mission. The claim that Jesus is the Christ asserts His fulfillment of these messianic expectations.

the Son of God
This title emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, a core tenet of Christian doctrine. It distinguishes Jesus from other messianic figures by asserting His unique relationship with God the Father. This claim was controversial in the Jewish context, where monotheism was strictly upheld. The title "Son of God" is also linked to passages like Psalm 2:7, which speaks of the king as God's son.

and that by believing
Faith is presented as the means by which individuals can access the benefits of Jesus' work. This reflects the broader New Testament teaching that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

you may have life
"Life" in John's Gospel often refers to eternal life, a quality of life that begins now and continues into eternity. This life is characterized by a relationship with God through Jesus. John 10:10 speaks of Jesus coming to give life abundantly, indicating both a present and future reality.

in His name
The name of Jesus represents His character and authority. In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it conveyed the essence of a person. To have life in Jesus' name means to experience the salvation and blessings that come through His person and work. Acts 4:12 underscores this by stating that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
Central figure in the Gospel of John, presented as the Messiah and Son of God.

2. John the Apostle
The author of the Gospel, who provides a firsthand account of Jesus' life and ministry.

3. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who witnessed His resurrection and were tasked with spreading His teachings.

4. Jerusalem
The city where many of the events of Jesus' final days, including His resurrection, took place.

5. The Resurrection
The pivotal event that confirms Jesus' divinity and the truth of His teachings.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of the Gospel
John's Gospel is written with the express purpose of leading readers to faith in Jesus as the Christ and Son of God.

The Power of Belief
Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but a transformative trust that results in eternal life.

The Centrality of Jesus
Jesus is the focal point of Christian faith; understanding His identity is crucial for salvation.

The Assurance of Eternal Life
Belief in Jesus provides assurance of eternal life, a promise that offers hope and purpose.

The Role of Scripture
The written Word is a tool for revealing Jesus' identity and mission, guiding believers to faith.(31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.--We have here the writer's own statement of his object in writing his narrative, and also the explanation of what seems an abrupt end. His object is that those for whom he writes may become believers, and read in these signs the spiritual truths which lay behind them. He has traced step by step the developments of faith in the Apostles themselves, and this has reached its highest stage in the confession of Thomas. He has recorded the blessedness of those who shall believe without sight, uttered in his Master's words. In the confession of Thomas, and in the comment of our Lord, the object of the author finds its full expression, and with their words the Gospel finds its fitting close. "Become not faithless, but believing;" "My Lord and my God;" "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed"--these are the words the author heard and records. "But these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." This is the object he had in recording them. On the special meaning of these words as connected with the Gnostic heresies of the time, comp. Introduction, p. 378.

And that believing ye might have life through his name.--Better, . . . in His name. Thus the last words bring us back again to the first. (Comp. Notes on John 1:4; John 1:12.)

Verse 31. - But, says he, these are written with a special purpose. The author did not intend to write a full history or a detailed biography; he avowed having made a unique and well-considered selection of "signs," which formed the theme of great discourse, of "words" which revealed the inner depths of that wondrous nature, and which, far from exhausting the theme, only touched its fringes; and he did this with a distinct aim, in order that ye (he here addresses the Churches already founded and waiting for his legacy) might believe. Believe what? Simply in the fact of the Resurrection? Certainly not; but that Jesus, the Man whose life has been enacted on this human stage, is the Christ, has fulfilled the entire idea of the Messiah and is now the realization of the grandest theocratic hope; and further, that he is the" Christ," because he is none other than the Son of God, the Revelation of the Divine nature, the Image of the Father's substance, the Effluence of his glory, seeing that his is the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father. Nor is this all. He adds, And that believing in this glory, in this reality, in this Christhood, in this Sonship, ye might have life, the blessedness of true being, the sacred fellowship with the Eternal, the hold upon FOREVER, the sanctity of "the life" that is "light," the everlasting life of the sons of God. The prologue here finds its true and efficient complement. The purpose now betrayed expounds the structure of the Gospel as a whole. The apostle claims kinship with the central apostolate. The Hebrew prophet does not disdain his true kindred. The evangelist does not disclaim his predecessors. The lover of souls discloses his lofty passion.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

these
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

are written
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may believe
πιστεύητε (pisteuēte)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Christ,
Χριστὸς (Christos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱὸς (Huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

by believing
πιστεύοντες (pisteuontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

you may have
ἔχητε (echēte)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

life
ζωὴν (zōēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

name.
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.


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