Comma Johanneum
A sequence of words which appear in 1 John 5:7-8 in four late Greek manuscripts; also called the Johannine Comma. (Four other manuscripts include the words as a marginal note rather than part of the text.) The Comma Johanneum was almost certainly not originally included in 1 John. However, a translation of the comma is included the King James Version of the Bible.
- 1 John 5:7-8 from the KJV, which includes a translation of the Comma Johanneum. (The words that translate the Comma are italicized.):
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
- I John 5:7-8 from the ESV, which does not include a translation of the Comma Johanneum:
- From The Johannine Comma (Bible Research):
7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.
These extra words are generally absent from the Greek manuscripts. In fact, they only appear in the text of four late medieval manuscripts. They seem to have originated as a marginal note added to certain Latin manuscripts during the middle ages, which was eventually incorporated into the text of most of the later Vulgate manuscripts.
Learn more:
- Got Questions: What is the Comma Johannine (1 John 5:7-8)?
- Theopedia: Johannine Comma
- Daniel Wallace: The Textual Problem in 1 John 5:7-8
- Bible Research: The Johaninne Comma
- Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry: 1 John 5:7-8 and King James Onlyism
Related terms:
- autographs
- inerrancy of scripture
- inspiration of scripture
- KJV Onlyism
- manuscripts
- pericope adulterae
- text criticism
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