Bible Dictionary
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
“Search the Scriptures” refers to Jesus’ statement in John 5:39. The wording may be understood either as a command to examine Scripture or, more likely, as a declaration that His hearers were searching it while failing to come to Him.
Biblical Usage
The statement occurs in Jesus’ discourse concerning the Scriptures and their witness. On the indicative reading, it exposes the hearers’ activity and expectation while showing that they failed to come to Jesus, to whom the Scriptures testify.