John 8:13
The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
The Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
μαρτυρεῖς·
bearest record
G3140
μαρτυρεῖς·
bearest record
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
9 of 15
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 19:15 required two or three witnesses for legal validity. The Pharisees invoke this principle to dismiss Jesus' testimony, though they ignore the Father's testimony to the Son.
Questions for Reflection
- How can focus on technical details cause you to miss larger truths?
- When does proper concern for evidence become an excuse for unbelief?
- What witness does the Father bear to the Son in your experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees challenge Jesus' self-testimony as invalid according to Jewish law requiring multiple witnesses. They focus on legal technicalities while missing the substance of His claims. This illustrates how religious formalism can blind people to truth standing before them. Yet Jesus will address their concern by identifying the Father as His second witness.