John 5:39 – Here we have an example that Bible translation almost always involves interpretation. Sometimes knowing more does not help understanding.
The verb “you search” in John 5:39 can be translated as either an indicative (“you search”) or an imperative (“search!”). The Greek verb ἐραυνᾶτε is grammatically ambiguous, as the present active indicative (“you all search”) and present active imperative (“search!”) are spelled identically (pres act indic/imper 2nd pers plu).
While traditional translations like the KJV use the imperative, most modern translations (NKJV, ESV, NIV, NASB) favor the indicative, framing it as a statement of fact that acknowledges the Jewish leaders’ diligent study while accusing them of missing the point.
Imperative – KJV
John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Indicative – NKJV
John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Indicative (“You search…”)
Presents the verse as a statement of fact, recognizing the religious leaders’ obsession with studying the Scriptures. It highlights a tragic irony: they study the text meticulously but refuse to acknowledge Jesus, whom the text points to.
Imperative (“Search…!”)
Translates it as a command, urging the listeners to deeply study the Scriptures. This perspective suggests Jesus is telling them to look beyond the letter of the law to find him.
Contextual Evidence
Because Jesus is addressing people who were already rigorously searching the Scriptures but refusing to believe in him, modern commentators generally prefer the indicative, meaning: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me”.
Contextual Argument
Many scholars prefer the indicative because the following verb, “you refuse” or “you are not willing” (οὐ θέλετε), in John 5:40 is clearly in the indicative mood, indicating a contrast between their actions (“you search” / “you are not willing”).
The point is this: Both forms indicate that the Scriptures testify about Jesus; the debate hinges on whether Jesus is condemning their blind study (indicative) or challenging them to study with deeper, truth-seeking intent (imperative).
Both interpretations are grammatically possible, and some interpretations suggest the imperative could function as an ironic command to do what they think they are already doing.
– Marshall Swindall