John 5:47

47 But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"

John 5:47 Meaning and Commentary

John 5:47

But if ye believe not his writings
They believed them to be his writings, and that they were the word of God, and yet did not believe the things contained in them, respecting Christ; or did not see, and could not believe that they belonged unto, and were applicable to Jesus of Nazareth; and therefore it could not be supposed they would give credit to him, or his words:

how shall ye believe my words?
not that Moses was greater than Christ, or rather to be credited than he; Moses indeed was faithful, but Christ was worthy of more honour and credit than he was; Moses was but a servant, but Christ was a son in his own house: but this is said with respect to the Jews, with whom Moses was in great veneration and esteem; and it was more likely they should regard what he should say, than what Jesus of Nazareth should, whom they despised.

John 5:47 In-Context

45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.
47 But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.