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

JOHN 8:17KJV
Know the Bible

John 8:17 (KJV)

What does John 8:17 mean?

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.

The Greek behind John 8:17

  • 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.

Why John 8:17 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“your” Greek G5212 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
  • John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

“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 8:14 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.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“testimony” 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.

“two” Greek G1417 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
  • John 4:43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.