{If we receive} (ei lambanomen). Condition of first class
with ei and the present active indicative, assumed as true. The
conditions for a legally valid witness are laid down in De
19:15 (cf. Mt 18:16 Joh 8:17f. 10:25 2Co 13:1 ). {Greater}
(meiz(936e)). Comparative of megas, because God is always true.
{For} (hoti). So it applies to this case. {That} (hoti). Thus
taken in the declarative sense (the fact that) as in Joh 3:19 ,
though it can be causal (because) or indefinite relative with
memartur(886b)en (what he hath testified, perfect active indicative
of marture(935c), as in Joh 1:32 4:44 , etc.), a harsh
construction here because of marturia, though some MSS. do read
hen to agree with it (cf. verse 10 ). See hoti ean in 3:20
for that idiom. Westcott notes the Trinity in verses 6-9 : the
Son comes, the Spirit witnesses, the Father has witnessed.
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