Definition: And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really profound verse from John 5:37. It’s a really beautiful and complex idea, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is Involved in Our Relationship with Him This verse isn’t about us directly – we aren’t the focus here. It’s about a very special and significant relationship between God and humanity. It speaks of God’s active involvement in our lives, particularly in how we connect with him. Let's unpack it: “The Father himself…” : This refers to God, the divine being who created everything. “…which hath sent me…” : This means that God initiated a relationship with us – He chose to communicate and work with us. He initiated this connection. “…bore witness of me.” : “Bear witness” means to record or document something. God, in this context, is showing us evidence of our relationship with Him through His actions and choices. What does it mean that God "bore witness" of us? This is the really important part. It’s not just that God knows about us. It means that He has always been aware of our existence, our struggles, our desires, and our needs. He's watched over us, supported us, and guided us throughout history. “Ye have neither heard his voice at any time…” : This is a crucial point. God doesn’t communicate with us through words or sounds like we hear from someone. He communicates through His actions, His presence, and the very fabric of creation. He’s not speaking to us in a traditional way. “…nor seen his shape” : This suggests that God isn't present in our world in a tangible, visual way. We don’t perceive Him as we do – He doesn’t have a physical form or presence like we do. So, what does this all mean? It means that our relationship with God is far more profound and ancient than we can even fully comprehend. It speaks of a timeless, ongoing connection, where God actively observes, supports, and guides us, without ever needing to speak to us directly. It highlights the incredible difference between human interaction and divine presence. In short, this verse emphasizes that God is intimately involved in our lives from the very beginning – He has always been watching over us. --- Analogy: Think of it like a parent who always knows where their child is, even if they don’t talk to them constantly. They are always present, always guiding and supporting, but they don't need to speak directly to the child every moment. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with some examples? Discuss its significance in a specific context (like faith or spirituality)?