Question 1

What does John 8:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

John 8:17 states that according to the Jewish law, the testimony of two men is considered true or valid. Jesus refers to this rule to support the reliability of His own words by appealing to a standard recognized by His audience. In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees during a debate about His authority and identity. By mentioning their law, Jesus points to a well-known legal principle from the Torah (such as Deuteronomy 19:15), which required at least two witnesses for a matter to be established. This sets up His argument that His testimony, along with that of the Father, meets their own standard for truth.

Question 2

The Greek behind John 8:17

Accepted Answer

νόμος (nomos): This word means "law" and refers specifically to the Jewish religious law, which the Pharisees claimed to uphold. Jesus appeals to their own legal tradition to make His point. μαρτυρία (martyria): This word means "testimony" or "witness." In the context of ancient Jewish law, a testimony was only accepted as true if confirmed by two or more witnesses. ἀληθής (alēthēs): This word means "true" or "reliable." Jesus uses it to emphasize that a claim is not just heard but is accepted as established fact when supported by two witnesses.

Question 3

Why John 8:17 matters

Accepted Answer

John 8:17 clarifies that Jesus is not inventing a new rule but is appealing to a standard the Pharisees already accept, making His argument harder for them to dismiss. This verse highlights the importance of credible testimony in Jewish legal tradition, which Jesus uses to validate His own claims about Himself. By referencing their law, Jesus sets up the following verses, where He explains that both He and the Father bear witness about Him, fulfilling the requirement for two witnesses.

John 8:17 (KJV)