1 John 5:6 — “This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.”
Extended Explanation
This verse might sound a little strange at first, but when we take time to unpack it, it carries deep meaning. John is talking about Jesus Christ and how He was revealed and proven to be who He said He was.
When John says “came by water and blood,” he is pointing to two key parts of Jesus’ life:
- Water refers to Jesus’ baptism. That was when His public ministry began, and God Himself spoke from heaven saying, “This is my Son.”
- Blood refers to Jesus’ death on the cross, where He gave His life to save sinners.
Some false teachers in John’s day were saying that Jesus was just a man and that God’s Spirit only came upon Him temporarily. John is fighting back against that lie. He is saying Jesus was God’s Son not only when He was baptized but also when He suffered and died. His identity as the Christ was true from start to finish.
And then John adds that the Holy Spirit testifies—meaning the Spirit speaks the truth about who Jesus is. God’s Spirit confirms to our hearts that Jesus is the real deal.
Historical Context
In the early church, there were false teachers, especially a group called the Gnostics, who believed that Jesus wasn’t truly God in the flesh. Some of them taught that the Spirit of Christ came upon the man Jesus at baptism and left Him before the cross. John wrote this letter to push back against those lies.
This verse is part of John’s clear, strong defense of Jesus’ full identity—that He is God’s Son, not just for a time, but forever, in life and death.
Theological Implications
This verse tells us that Jesus‘ mission was real, physical, and complete. He didn’t just appear spiritual at certain moments. He really came in the flesh, really lived, really died, and really rose again.
It also shows that God Himself—through His Spirit—confirms the truth about Jesus. Faith in Jesus is not based on rumors or guesses. It is based on God’s own testimony.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is firm and clear. He uses repetition—”not by water only, but by water and blood”—to stress the full picture of who Jesus is. He wants his readers to know that you can’t pick and choose parts of Jesus’ life and mission.
He also uses the word testifies, which means to speak the truth publicly. John is stacking up witnesses—the water (baptism), the blood (cross), and the Spirit—to show that the evidence is overwhelming.
Cross-References
- Matthew 3:16-17 — Jesus’ baptism: “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love.’”
- John 19:34 — “One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”
- Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
- Hebrews 9:22 — “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that Jesus is fully trustworthy. His mission wasn’t an illusion or partial effort. He really came, really suffered, and really saved.
It also reminds today’s Christian that the Holy Spirit is at work, helping us know and believe the truth about Jesus. We don’t have to figure it all out on our own—the Spirit helps us see and understand who Jesus is.
How This Verse Shows God’s Love
This verse shows God’s love by pointing to how far He went to make Himself known and to save people. He didn’t send an idea or a dream—He sent His own Son in flesh and blood.
God’s love is also shown in how He confirms the truth. He doesn’t leave people guessing; He gives real proof and sends His Spirit to make the truth clear.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. It points to the key moments of His life:
- His baptism—when God publicly declared, “This is My Son” (Matthew 3:17).
- His death—when He shed His blood to pay for sins (Hebrews 9:12).
- The Holy Spirit’s witness—who continues to point people to Jesus (John 15:26).
It shows that Jesus‘ identity and mission are not based on opinion but on clear, God-given evidence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What do the water and blood in this verse mean to you personally?
- How does knowing that Jesus’ mission was real and complete encourage your faith?
- Have you experienced the Holy Spirit confirming the truth about Jesus in your own heart?
- Why do you think some people in John’s time (and even today) want to deny who Jesus really is?
- How can you grow in trusting what God has testified about His Son?