Log inSign up

John 5 · a question people ask

Jesus says the Scriptures "testify about me" (5:39), and of Moses, "he wrote about me" (5:46). Which passages did he mean?

In the text

He doesn't name one here. "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me" (5:39). "For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" (5:46-47). In the first chapter Philip says something close, again naming no passage: "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets, wrote" (1:45). These notes don't supply a passage Jesus doesn't name.

The verses

““You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.”
John 5:39 · World English Bible
“For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe my words?””
John 5:46-47 · World English Bible
“Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.””
John 1:45 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of John 5

John 5: My Father is still working

Asked "Do you want to be made well?", the man at the pool doesn't say yes; he says, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool" (5:6-7). Jesus doesn't put him in: "Arise, take up your mat, and walk" (5:8). And only after he walks does the Gospel say, "Now that day was a Sabbath" (5:9).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekJohn 5 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about John 5

All questions about John →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 1, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions