John 5:47

47 But if you don't believe what Moses wrote, how can 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 Don't think that I will stand before the Father and say you are wrong. The one who says you are wrong is Moses, the one you hoped would save you.
46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because Moses wrote about me.
47 But if you don't believe what Moses wrote, how can you believe what I say?"
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.