John 8:15
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 9
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
4 of 9
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.John 12:47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.Romans 2:1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.1 Corinthians 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.John 8:11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.Amos 5:7Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,
Historical Context
Jewish religious authorities judged by Pharisaic tradition, ritual observance, and ethnic identity - external standards. Jesus consistently challenged these superficial measures of righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
- By what standards do you tend to judge others - external or spiritual?
- How can you develop Christ's discernment of hearts versus appearances?
- What happens when we judge by human standards rather than God's truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus contrasts the Pharisees' fleshly judgment with His refusal to judge according to appearances. 'After the flesh' means by external, human standards - reputation, position, ethnicity, wealth. Christ judges by spiritual reality, discerning hearts. When He does judge (v. 16), His judgment is true because it's shared with the Father. This establishes righteous judgment's standard.