And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

JOHN 8:50KJV
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John 8:50 (KJV)

What does John 8:50 mean?

John 8:50 records Jesus saying that He is not seeking His own honor or praise, but that there is someone else—God the Father—who seeks His honor and will judge. Jesus is making it clear that He is not acting out of self-interest or pride.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of religious leaders who are challenging His authority and motives. He emphasizes that His mission is not about gaining personal glory, but about fulfilling God’s will. Jesus points out that God Himself is the one who will ultimately judge and decide whose honor truly matters.

The Greek behind John 8:50

  • The word for "seek" (ζητέω, zēteō) appears twice—once for Jesus ("I seek not") and once for God ("there is one that seeks"). This repetition highlights the contrast between Jesus not pursuing His own glory and God actively seeking to honor Him.
  • "Glory" (δόξα, doxa) here means honor, reputation, or recognition. Jesus is distancing Himself from any self-promotion, showing humility.
  • "Judgeth" (κρίνω, krinō) means to decide, distinguish, or pass judgment. Jesus reminds His listeners that God is the true judge, not the people questioning Him.

Why John 8:50 matters

  • John 8:50 clarifies that Jesus is not motivated by pride or a desire for human approval, countering accusations from His opponents.
  • The verse draws a sharp line between human judgment and God’s ultimate authority, reminding readers that God’s perspective is what truly counts.
  • This statement fits into the broader conversation where Jesus repeatedly points to His dependence on and unity with the Father, reinforcing His humility and divine mission.

Where else these words appear

“judgeth” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

“seek” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?