Bible Strands
John 5:47
But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His opponents immediately after stating that Moses wrote about Him.
The words — The Greek γράμμασιν (grammasin) literally means “writings” or “documents,” pointing to the authoritative texts of Moses. πιστεύετε (pisteuete) denotes the ongoing act of trusting or believing.
The thread — The same logic appears in Luke 16:29–31, where Abraham states that those who disregard Moses and the Prophets will not be convinced even by a resurrection.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader examine whether they trust the written word before expecting to trust the speaker’s claims. It requires a reader to align their belief with the authoritative text rather than dismiss it as a precondition for accepting the speaker’s authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Cross-references
- Luke 16:31 Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”
- Luke 16:29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’