John 8

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

What does John 8:32 mean?

Explanation

[John 8:32] is a well-known verse from the Gospel of John that has often been cited for its profound depth and inspirational message.

On the surface, it seems to suggest that an understanding or acceptance of truth has the power to liberate the individual.

The use of the term "truth" here can generally be interpreted as the teachings and revelations of Jesus Christ, which, according to Christian beliefs, represent the ultimate reality and the pathway to spiritual freedom.

The deeper meaning can be seen as twofold: on one level, it relates to the liberating power of spiritual truth; that through knowing Jesus ("the way, the truth, and the life," as per John 14:6), one is set free from the bondage of sin.

On another level, it speaks to the broader human condition, suggesting that truth and transparency are inherently liberatory, freeing individuals from the bonds of ignorance and falsehood.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

[John 8:32] is part of a passage where Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who had begun to show faith in Him.

The historical context is the Jewish religious landscape of the first century CE, where traditional teachings and strict adherence to the Mosaic Law were central.

Jesus challenges these norms, presenting Himself as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets and thus a source of new spiritual truth.

The "truth" that Jesus speaks of would have been understood against this backdrop of religious expectation and messianic hope. His message was radical and liberating to some, but also controversial and threatening to the established religious authorities of the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, [John 8:32] encapsulates the notion of salvation through knowledge and acceptance of Christ.

It suggests that the truth of Jesus' message is transformative and emancipating. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity might slightly differ in their emphases but generally agree on the primacy of truth as conveyed by Jesus for spiritual freedom.

In broader theological discourse, there is also a consideration of the nature of truth itself, whether it is propositional (as a series of statements or doctrines), relational (an encounter with the person of Christ), or existential (the transformative experience of Christian living).

Practical Applications

In daily life, [John 8:32] encourages individuals to seek truth in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to societal structures. This could mean striving for honesty, authenticity, and transparency, which can lead to greater freedom, integrity, and well-being.

On a spiritual level, it suggests an ongoing process of engaging with the teachings of Christ, which could include regular participation in religious services, study of Scriptures, prayer, and living out one's faith in acts of charity and justice.

Cross-References

Some related verses from the King James Version of the Bible include:

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13)

Language Study

In the original Greek text of [John 8:32], the word for "truth" is "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia), which can refer to truth in the sense of what is real as opposed to what is false, as well as truth in terms of faithfulness and reliability.

The phrase "make you free" is translated from "ἐλευθερόω" (eleutheroō), which means to liberate, set free, or release from bondage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the concept of truth as a liberating force is present in various philosophical and religious traditions.

In Ancient Greek philosophy, the pursuit of truth through reason and dialogue was seen as a way to attain virtue and an enlightened state.

In Buddhism, understanding the true nature of reality is essential in the path toward liberation from suffering.

In the Hindu tradition, the concept of "Satya" (truth) is similarly valued, where living in harmony with ultimate truth is part of one's spiritual progression toward "Moksha," or liberation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, truth typically refers to concepts, theories, or statements that correspond accurately to observed phenomena and can be empirically verified.

While science tends to focus on objective truth, [John 8:32] speaks to a subjective or spiritual truth.

Nevertheless, psychological research supports the notion that personal integrity and honesty contribute to mental health, suggesting that living in truth can indeed be liberating in a psycho-social sense.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have reflected on [John 8:32]:

William Barclay notes that Christianity is a search for truth which, when found, gives complete freedom.
Matthew Henry comments that the truth which Christ teaches tends to make men free from sin.
F.F.

Bruce emphasizes the freedom achieved through spiritual truth that liberates from sin and death.

David Guzik examines the transformative and releasing power of knowing truth as it applies to a believer's practical life.

Each presents the verse as central to understanding the Christian journey towards spiritual freedom and integrity.

John 8

John 8

What does John 8:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 8:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?