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John 5:42

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 5:42 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.
John 5:42 — American Standard Version

Context — John 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;
40and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.
41I receive not glory from men.
42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.
43I am come in my Father`s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that [cometh] from the only God ye seek not?
45Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, [even] Moses, on whom ye have set your hope.
← John 5:41John 5:43 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I know you, etc.] Being the omniscient God, he knew not only their persons, but their hearts, the thoughts of their hearts; what was in them, and what was wanting in them: particularly, that ye have not the love of God in you; and which is not in any man’s heart naturally; for the carnal mind is enmity to God; and men, by nature, are haters of him, and enemies in their minds to him, till this grace, which is a fruit of the Spirit, is implanted in them, in regeneration: love to God, is one of the weightier matters of the law, the Jews passed over; without which, all the actions of men signify nothing: this they made great pretensions to, and would have had it thought, that it was from…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“not the love of God in you--which would inspire you with a single desire to know His mind and will, and yield yourselves to it, in spite of prejudice and regardless of consequences.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I receive not honour ... - “I do not say these things because I am desirous of human applause, but to account for the fact that you do not believe on me. The reason is, that you have not the love of God in you.” In this passage we see: That we should not seek for human applause. It is of very little value, and it often keeps men from the approbation of God, John 5:44. They who will not believe on Jesus Christ give evidence that they have no love for God. The reason why they do not believe on him is because they have no regard for his character, wishes, or law. Love of God - Love to God. In you - In your hearts. You do not love God. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I know you - With this ray he pierces the hearts of the hearers. And this doubtless he spake with the tenderest compassion. John 5:43”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:42 Jesus charged that the Jewish leaders did not have God’s love within them. Without God’s love, it was impossible for them to understand the things he was doing.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I know: Joh 1:47-49, Joh 2:25, Joh 21:17; Luk 16:15; Heb 4:12, Heb 4:13; Rev 2:23 that: Joh 5:44, Joh 8:42, Joh 8:47, Joh 8:55, Joh 15:23, Joh 15:24; Rom 8:7; Jo1 2:15, Jo1 3:17, Jo1 4:20 John 5:43”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification