1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

Whether the Trinitarian formula in 1 John 5:7-8 ('the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one'), found mainly in late Latin manuscripts, is considered part of the original text.

Overall consensus49/100

IFCA International (Independent Fundamental Churches of America)

IFCA International (Independent Fundamental Churches of America)

Evangelical

Affirms

Comma Johanneum affirmed in Textus Receptus tradition; Trinity defended

Independent Fundamental Churches that use the King James Version or follow the Textus Receptus tradition affirm 1 John 5:7 as including the Comma Johanneum. The extended phrase about the Trinity—'the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost'—is understood as authentic Scripture and as a clear biblical witness to the Trinity. While textual scholars debate the manuscript evidence, fundamentalist churches receive this verse as Scripture based on the Received Text tradition.

The Comma Johanneum is valued as an explicit biblical affirmation of Trinitarian doctrine, and its presence in the KJV adds authority to the church's theological position. The verse is taught and cited as direct Scripture support for the classical doctrine of the Trinity.

Key Distinctions

Textual status:
Textus Receptus/KJV affirmed
Trinitarian grounding:
Comma supports Trinity
Canonical status:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Independent Fundamental Churches doctrinal statements