One of the most popular verses of scripture used to encourage people to study the scriptures is John 5:39: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” While it is important to search the scriptures, this verse was not given as an injunction to search the scriptures. The King James translators missed a word which changes the meaning of the passage. This verse, in King James language, should have been translated: “Ye search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life . . .” Jesus was castigating the Jews who relied on their knowledge of the scriptures even while rejecting Him, who was the subject of the scriptures. The point: eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, not in knowing or memorizing verses of scripture. It is entirely possible for one to study the scriptures and yet not know Christ. Such was the state of the Jews to whom Jesus was speaking. Despite the fact they searched the scriptures, Jesus reproved them: “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:40)
For an interesting comparison of alternative translations of this verse, see: http://classic.net.bible.org/verse.php?book=Joh&chapter=5&verse=39
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