John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφ'
of
G575
ἀφ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
2 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 26
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
6 of 26
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίαν
his own
G2398
ἰδίαν
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
8 of 26
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
ζητῶν
he that seeketh
G2212
ζητῶν
he that seeketh
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
9 of 26
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζητῶν
he that seeketh
G2212
ζητῶν
he that seeketh
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
12 of 26
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
14 of 26
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψαντος
that sent
G3992
πέμψαντος
that sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
16 of 26
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὗτος
the same
G3778
οὗτος
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
18 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδικία
unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικία
unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
22 of 26
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
24 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
John 5:41I receive not honour from men.John 12:28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.1 Thessalonians 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.Proverbs 25:27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.Matthew 6:9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Numbers 11:29And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.John 8:54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Historical Context
Jewish legal tradition required multiple witnesses for valid testimony (Deut 19:15). Jesus addresses this concern while asserting that His unity with the Father provides sufficient witness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you test whether you seek God's glory or your own?
- What distinguishes self-promotion from faithful ministry?
- How does pursuing God's glory affect the truthfulness of your testimony?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus contrasts self-generated testimony with testimony that comes from God. Self-seekers pursue their own glory, seeking human recognition and authority. But Christ seeks the Father's glory alone, making His witness true. The Reformed emphasis on God's glory (soli Deo gloria) finds expression here - ministry that exalts God rather than self authenticates divine calling.