What is the meaning of “we speak of what we know” in John 3:11?

Response

In John 3:11, Jesus states, “Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony” (ESV). Let’s start by examining the immediate context of John 3:1–15.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, visits Jesus at night «There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: », (John 3:1). In John’s Gospel, the term “night” often carries moral and spiritual connotations (John 9:4;John 11:10;John 13:30). While it is certain that Nicodemus approached Jesus after sunset, it is also true that Nicodemus was in spiritual darkness. This explains why Nicodemus viewed Jesus as “a teacher who has come from God” «the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. », (John 3:2) rather than as “the Messiah, the Son of God” «but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.», (John 20:31).

Therefore, Jesus redirects the discussion to the importance of spiritual rebirth: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” «Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. », (John 3:3, ESV). The term “born again” can also be translated

Described as “born from above.” Either translation is adequate. The concept is that God must bestow life upon spiritually deceased individuals before they can perceive or access His kingdom (cf. John 6:44).

Predictably, Nicodemus struggles to comprehend Jesus’ statement: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” «Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? », (John 3:4). Even after Jesus reaffirms the truth (John 3:5-8), Nicodemus remains perplexed (verses 9–10). This concise examination of John 3:1–10 establishes the foundation for Jesus’ declaration that “we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony” in verse 11.

One of the most perplexing aspects is Jesus’ repeated use of the word “we.” Who comprises the “we” that Jesus claims speaks and testifies? Some scholars suggest that Jesus is referring to the knowledge and testimony of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit «For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. », (see 1 John 5:7). Others interpret the “we” «Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. », (John 3:11) in a regal context, assuming it to be a rhetorical device through which Jesus conveys His divine authority to discuss heavenly matters (verse 13;cf: 5:19-29). The plural “we” «Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and

Ye receive not our witness.” (John 3:11) could also be a counter to the “we” Nicodemus used in verse 2: “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God.” Or Jesus could have been referring to His disciples or John the Baptist, who was also involved in preaching.

In any case, there is a contrast between Jesus’ omniscience (and authority) and Nicodemus’ limited, earthly perspective: “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” «If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? », (John 3:12, ESV). Earthly things probably refer to Jesus’ teaching on the new birth see John 3:3,5, which takes place in the here and now and extends into eternity future. Jesus’ testimony about earthly and heavenly things is not based on human wisdom or speculation, but on firsthand knowledge of spiritual truths: “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” «Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. », (John 5:19, ESV).

When Jesus said, “We speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen,” He was assuring Nicodemus that everything Jesus taught was of the greatest certainty. Jesus spoke nothing but was backed up by His own knowledge and personal observation. He was an expert on spiritual matters.

Unfortunately, many people do not accept Jesus’ testimony «Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify tha

As we have seen, and you do not receive our witness.” , (John 3:11). Based on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, it should be evident that individuals do not decline Jesus solely on intellectual grounds. Instead, they reject Him because of the darkness in their hearts “And this is the judgment, that light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” , (John 3:19). This pervasive darkness hinders sinners from perceiving the truth even when it is right in front of them.