The doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one Godhead, is a theological construct not explicitly stated in the Bible.

While some verses are interpreted to support the Trinity, these can also be understood differently, emphasizing distinctions rather than oneness.

 

Below are some commonly cited verses for the Trinity and explanations as to why they may not confirm Jesus's divinity or the concept of the Trinity:

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1. Matthew 28:19

• Verse: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

 

Explanation:

This verse mentions the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together, but it does not state that they are co-equal or co-eternal. It can be seen as emphasizing their distinct roles rather than declaring them as one being.

 

2. John 10:30

• Verse: "I and the Father are one."

 

Explanation:

Many interpret this as a statement of unity in purpose and mission, not identity or essence. In John 17:21-23, Jesus prays for his disciples to be one in the same way he and the Father are one, further clarifying this unity as relational, not ontological.

 

3. John 1:1

• Verse: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

 

Explanation:

The phrase "the Word was God" is debated due to its Greek grammar. Some argue it could mean "the Word was divine" (a reflection of God’s qualities) rather than "the Word was God" as a distinct person of the Trinity.

 

4. Colossians 2:9

• Verse: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

 

Explanation:

This can be understood as Jesus reflecting God’s attributes (e.g., wisdom, power, and authority) rather than being God Himself. It emphasizes Jesus as a manifestation of God's divine purpose, not as a co-equal entity.

 

5. 2 Corinthians 13:14

• Verse: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

 

Explanation:

This verse includes the three figures but does not explicitly declare them as one being or co-equal persons. It may instead highlight their roles in salvation and spiritual life.

 

6. 1 John 5:7 (KJV)

• Verse: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

 

Explanation:

This verse, often called the "Comma Johanneum," is absent from most modern Bible translations because it is widely regarded as a later addition to the text and not part of the original manuscripts.

 

7. Philippians 2:6

• Verse: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage."

 

Explanation:

This verse suggests that Jesus, though reflecting God’s nature, does not claim equality with God, which is inconsistent with the Trinity’s co-equal aspect.

 

8. Genesis 1:26

• Verse: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.'"

 

Explanation:

The plural pronoun “us” is often interpreted to support the Trinity. However, it can also reflect the majesty of God (plural of majesty), the divine council, or a dialogue with angels, not necessarily a Trinitarian concept.