1 John 5:9

We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.

(v9, NIV)

If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.

(v9, ESV)

What's interesting is that the NIV begins with the word "we", but the ESV begins with the word "if". So, in the NIV, the statement is that we accept man's testimony, but in the ESV, we don't necessarily accept man's testimony. In the ESV, it's a condition that could go either way. Regardless, the fact remains that God's testimony is greater than the testimony of men. The reason why God's testimony is greater is because it is the testimony of God. That statement seems a bit weird. The thing in question is proof enough of why it is greater. It's as if I were to say "Bananas are better because they are bananas". It's weird to use the very thing in question as enough reason to prove its own merit. However, just because it is the testimony of God should be reason enough to explain why it is greater. Simply put, God's testimony is greater than the testimony of man because it is God who's giving the testimony. I'm picturing a parent speaking to their child. I feel as if too often kids refuse and question the instructions of their parents. Have they ever given you a reason similar to what we find here in verse 9? In response to a child's questioning, perhaps a parent responds by saying "-because I said so". Should the parent's authority be enough of a reason for the child to listen? God's authority should be enough of a reason as to why it is greater than the testimony of men.

What is God's testimony about? In the ESV, the reasoning seems to focus more towards what the testimony is about. The ESV does not have a comma separating the "for" part (or "because") from the rest of the verse. Regardless, the testimony of God in question is the testimony God has given about his Son. God has given a testimony about his Son and this testimony trumps any and all of the testimonies given by men. God's testimony is greater.