John 5:39

You study the scriptures thoroughly ¹  because you think in them you possess eternal life, ²  and it is these same scriptures ³  that testify about me,

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

"You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!

You make search in the holy Writings, in the belief that through them you get eternal life; and it is those Writings which give witness about me.

"You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf.

"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

You study the scriptures thoroughly ¹  because you think in them you possess eternal life, ²  and it is these same scriptures ³  that testify about me,

¹ tn Or “Study the scriptures thoroughly” (an imperative). For the meaning of the verb see G. Delling, TDNT 2:655-57.

² sn In them you possess eternal life. Note the following examples from the rabbinic tractate Pirqe Avot (“The Sayings of the Fathers”): Pirqe Avot 2:8, “He who has acquired the words of the law has acquired for himself the life of the world to come”; Pirqe Avot 6:7, “Great is the law for it gives to those who practice it life in this world and in the world to come.”

³ tn The words “same scriptures” are not in the Greek text, but are supplied to clarify the referent (“these”).