What does it mean that Jesus came by water and blood in 1 John 5:6?
1 John 5:6
ESV - 6 This is he who came by water and blood - Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
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Asked July 01 2020
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Rolando Tacardon
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
To me, the reference to Jesus coming by water could refer to both the fact that he had experienced the normal process of birth (indicating that He was truly, fully human), and His baptism, in which He placed Himself under the Law so that He could perfectly fulfill it. The reference to His coming by blood was related to the purpose of His incarnation being to shed His blood as the atoning sacrifice for human sin. In writing these words, John may also have had in mind the way in which water and blood flowed from the wound in Jesus' side caused by the Roman soldier piercing it with his spear, of which John had been a personal witness at Christ's crucifixion (John 19:33-37).
Dale Casselman
Supporter
John MacArthur Study Bible says: Water and blood Constitute external, objective witness to who Jesus is. They refer to Jesus' baptism (water), and death (blood). CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible has Oecumenius saying: Why did Jesus come? To give us new birth and to make us children of God. How are we born? Through water and blood. The Jesus who came gave us new birth by water and blood. The water stands for His baptism, when Jesus was revealed as the Son, of God. The blood, of course, stands for His crucifixion, when He prayed that the Father would glorify Him, and a voice as were from heaven: "I have glorified [it], and I will glorify [it again]" [JOHN 12:28]. Commentary on 1 John. Bible Believer's Commentary has a great answer. But, it is way too long to write out. I recommend you check it out for yourself, as it gives some very interesting comparisons.
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