John 5:44

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

How can you believe [in me] when you [offer and] accept honors from one another, but do not try to obtain the honor that comes from the only God?

Cross References

Matthew 23:5

But they do all their deeds just to be seen by people. They wear elaborate Scripture texts displayed on their clothing and enlarge [conspicuously] the fringes of their robes.

Luke 19:17

And the gentleman replied, ‘Well done, you are a good slave. Because you have proven trustworthy over a [relatively] very small matter, you will [now] have charge over ten towns.’

John 12:43

For they loved the honor they received from people more than the honor they [could] receive from God.

John 17:3

And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent.

John 3:20

For every person who practices evil things hates the light [of truth] and does not come to it, for fear of having his deeds exposed [as sinful].

John 5:41

“I do not accept honor from mankind,

John 8:43

Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message.

Romans 2:10

But [He will bring] glory, honor and peace upon every person who does what is good; upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks,

Romans 2:29

But the [true] Jew is the person who is one on the inside, and [his] circumcision is a heart condition, [produced] by the Holy Spirit and not by the written Law of Moses. [Note: Some translate “Spirit” here as “spirit” and make it simply an amplification of “heart”]. This person receives his praise from God and not [merely] from people.

Romans 2:7

To the ones who continue doing what is good and who look for glory, honor and immortal life [God will give] never ending life.

1 Corinthians 4:5

So, do not judge anything until the appointed time, when the Lord returns [i.e., to do the judging] He will both shed light on the hidden things done in the dark and make known the motives of people’s hearts. Then each person [i.e., who deserves it] will receive praise from God.

2 Corinthians 10:18

For it is not the person who commends himself that is approved [by God], but the one whom the Lord commends.

Philippians 2:3

Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 2:6

[And] we were not looking for honor from people, either from you or from anyone else, even though, as apostles of Christ, we could have become a burden [to you]. [Note: The idea seems to be that the apostles could have claimed financial support, but chose not to].

1 Timothy 1:17

Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

Hebrews 3:12

Pay attention, brothers, so that there will not be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, [resulting] in falling away from the living God.

James 2:1

My brothers, do not hold [views regarding] the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ [i.e., as tenets of Christianity] which show favoritism toward [certain] persons.

1 Peter 1:7

But these will only test your faith, which is more valuable than gold which, though refined by fire, eventually perishes. Your faith, [however], will [endure and eventually] prove to be praiseworthy and honorable when Jesus returns.

Jude 1:25

[May these qualities be attributed] to the only God and our Savior, through [the person and work of] Jesus Christ our Lord, before [the beginning of] time [as well as] now and forever. May it be so.