King James Version

What Does John 8:14 Mean?

John 8:14 in the King James Version says “Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and ... — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 8:14 · KJV


Context

12

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.

13

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

14

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.

15

Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

16

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responds that His self-testimony is valid because He knows His origin and destiny - He came from the Father and returns to Him. The Pharisees' ignorance of His identity disqualifies their judgment. True self-knowledge and knowledge of God make Christ's testimony uniquely reliable. The Reformed emphasis on divine revelation finds expression here - only God can reliably testify about God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' claim to know His origin ('whence I came') asserts preexistence and divine origin, directly claiming deity in a way His audience understood but rejected.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing your identity in Christ affect your confidence?
  2. Why is divine self-revelation necessary for knowing God truly?
  3. What makes Christ's testimony about God uniquely trustworthy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 31

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ἰησοῦς2 of 31

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ3 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν4 of 31

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 31

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Κἂν6 of 31

Though

G2579

and (or even) if

ἐγὼ7 of 31

I

G1473

i, me

μαρτυρῶ8 of 31

bear record

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

περὶ9 of 31

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐμαυτοῦ10 of 31

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ἀληθής11 of 31

true

G227

true (as not concealing)

ἐστιν12 of 31

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

13 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαρτυρία14 of 31

record

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

μου15 of 31

yet my

G3450

of me

ὅτι16 of 31

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἴδατε17 of 31

I know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πόθεν18 of 31

whence

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἔρχομαι19 of 31

I came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ20 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποῦ21 of 31

whither

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ὑπάγω22 of 31

I go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ὑμεῖς23 of 31

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ24 of 31

but

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ25 of 31

cannot

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε26 of 31

I know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πόθεν27 of 31

whence

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἔρχομαι28 of 31

I came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ29 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποῦ30 of 31

whither

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ὑπάγω31 of 31

I go

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 8:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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