King James Version

What Does John 8:17 Mean?

John 8:17 in the King James Version says “It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 8:17 · KJV


Context

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.

17

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

18

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

19

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus cites the law the Pharisees claim to uphold: two witnesses establish truth. By Jewish legal standards they profess, His testimony should be accepted. This shows Christ doesn't oppose the law but fulfills it perfectly, meeting even its judicial requirements while transcending them.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Referring to 'your law' emphasizes the Pharisees' claim to be law's keepers and interpreters. Jesus demonstrates He knows Torah better than they do and meets its standards perfectly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus fulfill the law rather than abolishing it?
  2. What does it mean that Christ meets every righteous requirement?
  3. How can you rightly use Scripture rather than weaponizing it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15
G2532

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

ἐν2 of 15

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ3 of 15
G3588

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

νόμῳ4 of 15

law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

δὲ5 of 15

also

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ6 of 15
G3588

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

ὑμετέρῳ7 of 15

your

G5212

yours, i.e., pertaining to you

γέγραπται8 of 15

It is

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὅτι9 of 15

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δύο10 of 15

of two

G1417

"two"

ἀνθρώπων11 of 15

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

12 of 15
G3588

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

μαρτυρία13 of 15

the testimony

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

ἀληθής14 of 15

true

G227

true (as not concealing)

ἐστιν15 of 15

is

G2076

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


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 8:17 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 8:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study