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

JOHN 8:13KJV
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John 8:13 (KJV)

What does John 8:13 mean?

John 8:13 shows the Pharisees challenging Jesus by saying that if He is testifying about Himself, His testimony cannot be accepted as true. They are questioning the reliability of Jesus’ claims because, in their view, a person’s own witness about themselves is not trustworthy.

In this scene, the Pharisees (a group of Jewish religious leaders) are speaking directly to Jesus in the temple courts. Their statement reflects a common legal principle in Jewish law that required more than one witness for a claim to be valid. The Pharisees are not just doubting Jesus; they are using the law to try to discredit Him in front of others.

The Greek behind John 8:13

  • "record" (μαρτυρέω, martureō and μαρτυρία, marturia): Both words are related to giving testimony or bearing witness. The Pharisees are focused on the legal idea of testimony, not just casual statements.
  • "true" (ἀληθής, alēthēs): This word means genuine or reliable. The Pharisees are questioning whether Jesus’ testimony can be trusted as real evidence.

Why John 8:13 matters

  • John 8:13 highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, showing how they use legal traditions to challenge His authority.
  • This verse sets up the following discussion, where Jesus explains the unique basis for His testimony, deepening the reader’s understanding of who He claims to be.
  • Understanding the Pharisees’ objection helps clarify why Jesus responds the way He does in the verses that follow, focusing on the nature of truth and witness.

Where else these words appear

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“record” Greek G3141 · used in 33 verses

  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • John 5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
  • 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

“record” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.