1 John 5:9
If we receive ( ε λαμβανομεν ). Condition of first class with ε and the present active indicative, assumed as true. The conditions for a legally valid witness are laid down in De 19:15 (cf. Mt 18:16; Joh 8:17f.; 10:25; 2Co 13:1).Greater ( μειζων ). Comparative of μεγας, because God is always true.
For ( οτ ). So it applies to this case.
That ( οτ ). Thus taken in the declarative sense (the fact that) as in Joh 3:19, though it can be causal (because) or indefinite relative with μεμαρτυρηκεν (what he hath testified, perfect active indicative of μαρτυρεω, as in Joh 1:32; 4:44, etc.), a harsh construction here because of μαρτυρια, though some MSS. do read εν to agree with it (cf. verse 10). See οτ εαν in 3:20 for that idiom. Westcott notes the Trinity in verses 6-9: the Son comes, the Spirit witnesses, the Father has witnessed.
Copyright information for
RWP