1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"

Moravians, in their scholarly theological tradition, recognize that the Comma Johanneum is a later addition not found in ancient Greek manuscripts. The passage is absent until the 16th century and represents a Latin interpolation from the 5th-6th century at earliest.

Moravians affirm the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) from other authentic biblical passages and from Christian tradition. The genuine 1 John 5:8 speaks of 'three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood,' which Moravian theology interprets within the broader framework of Scripture and tradition. Moravian commitment to truth includes honest engagement with textual history. The Trinity is affirmed through comprehensive Scripture reading, not through later additions.