John 8:13 Meaning and Explanation
“The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Pharisees dismiss his claim on legal grounds: a man bearing witness of himself, they say, has no valid testimony.
What Does John 8:13 Mean?
The Pharisees answer the light with a procedural objection. Drawing on Deuteronomy 19:15, Jewish practice required two or three witnesses to establish a matter, and self-testimony carried no weight in court. Since Jesus has just made a sweeping claim about himself, they rule his witness inadmissible.
Their rule was sound for ordinary men; the error is applying courtroom procedure to the sun. Light is its own evidence — no one summons witnesses to prove the dawn. Their objection shows how a heart set against Christ can use even Scripture's safeguards to hold him at arm's length. The question is never whether his testimony is properly seconded; the Father will second it. The question is whether the hearers are willing to see.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 8:13
What does John 8:13 mean?
The Pharisees dismiss his claim on legal grounds: a man bearing witness of himself, they say, has no valid testimony.