but I know you
This phrase highlights Jesus' divine omniscience and His ability to discern the hearts and minds of individuals. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His knowledge of people's thoughts and intentions (e.g., John 2:24-25). This knowledge is not merely human insight but a divine attribute, affirming His deity. In the context of John 5, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders who are questioning His authority and actions, particularly His healing on the Sabbath. His statement underscores the personal and intimate understanding He has of their spiritual state.

that you do not have the love of God
The absence of the love of God in the hearts of the Jewish leaders is a significant indictment. In Jewish tradition, love for God is central, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. Jesus' critique suggests that their religious practices and adherence to the law are devoid of genuine love for God. This echoes the prophetic tradition where God desires mercy and knowledge of Him over ritual sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). The love of God is also a theme in the New Testament, where it is seen as a defining characteristic of true believers (1 John 4:7-8).

within you
The phrase "within you" emphasizes the internal and spiritual nature of the love of God, contrasting with external religious observance. Jesus often criticized the Pharisees and religious leaders for their focus on outward appearances rather than inward transformation (Matthew 23:25-28). This internalization of faith is a key aspect of the New Covenant, where God's laws are written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). The absence of God's love within them indicates a lack of true relationship with God, despite their outward religiosity.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders and people who are questioning His authority and identity.

2. Jewish Leaders
The religious authorities of the time, who are often in conflict with Jesus over His teachings and claims of divinity.

3. Jerusalem
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles, and where He faced significant opposition from the religious leaders.

4. The Temple
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the Temple in Jerusalem is a significant backdrop for many of Jesus' teachings and confrontations with the Jewish leaders.

5. The Audience
The broader group of Jewish people who were present during Jesus' ministry and who were influenced by the teachings of the religious leaders.The Importance of Genuine Love for God
True faith is marked by a sincere love for God, not just outward religious observance.

Self-Examination of Faith
Believers should regularly examine their hearts to ensure that their love for God is genuine and not merely superficial.

The Danger of Hypocrisy
Religious leaders and believers alike must guard against the hypocrisy of professing faith without true love for God.

The Role of Love in Obedience
Obedience to God's commandments flows naturally from a heart that truly loves Him.

The Evidence of Love in Action
Genuine love for God will manifest in love for others and a life that reflects His character.(42) Ye have not the love of God.--The principle which excludes the seeking honour from men, is the love of God. They were, they said, jealous for God's honour. The first precept of the Law, and the foundation of the Theocracy, was the love of God. This every Jew professed, and bound round brow and arm the holy texts which declared it (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21). The Pharisees made broad the phylacteries which contained these words (Matthew 23:5). They had them without, but they had not the principle within. There were sure marks which He had read in the heart as plain as the letters worn on the body, and therefore knew that they had not the love of God in them.

Parallel Commentaries ...

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I know
ἔγνωκα (egnōka)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

you,
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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

you do not have
ἔχετε (echete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

love
ἀγάπην (agapēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

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

within
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.

you.
ἑαυτοῖς (heautois)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.


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NT Gospels: John 5:42 But I know you that you don't (Jhn Jo Jn)