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.

He that speaketh {G2980} of {G575} himself {G1438} seeketh {G2212} his own {G2398} glory {G1391}: but {G1161} he that seeketh {G2212} his glory {G1391} that sent {G3992} him {G846}, the same {G3778} is {G2076} true {G227}, and {G2532} no {G3756} unrighteousness {G93} is {G2076} in {G1722} him {G846}.

A person who speaks on his own is trying to win praise for himself; but a person who tries to win praise for the one who sent him is honest, there is nothing false about him.

He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.

He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

John 7:18 KJV presents a profound principle concerning authority, motivation, and truth, central to understanding Jesus' claims and the nature of genuine spiritual leadership. In this verse, Jesus contrasts those who speak for their own gain with those who speak for the glory of God, establishing a criterion for discerning truth.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Jesus had entered the temple and began to teach, astonishing the Jewish leaders who questioned His authority and education (John 7:15). Jesus clarifies that His doctrine is not His own, but from God who sent Him (John 7:16). He then provides a test for truth: if one is willing to do God's will, they will know if the teaching is from God or from human origin (John 7:17). Verse 18 builds directly on this, offering the motivation behind the speaker as a key indicator of their authenticity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority vs. Self-Authority: The verse sharply distinguishes between those who derive their message and mission from themselves (seeking "their own glory") and those sent by God, whose purpose is to glorify the Sender. Jesus consistently exemplified the latter, always seeking to do the Father's will and glorify Him (John 8:29, John 17:4).
  • Motivation as a Test of Truth: Jesus implies that the underlying motivation of a speaker reveals the true nature of their message. A desire for personal honor, recognition, or gain corrupts the message, rendering it untrustworthy. Conversely, a genuine desire to glorify God ensures truthfulness and integrity.
  • Truth and Righteousness: The phrase "the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him" directly links seeking God's glory with authenticity and moral uprightness. Where God's glory is the aim, truth naturally follows, and there is no room for deceit or injustice.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "glory" translates the Greek doxa (δόξα), which encompasses concepts of honor, praise, reputation, and splendor. When one seeks "his own glory," it implies a desire for human acclaim or self-exaltation. In contrast, seeking the "glory that sent him" means directing all honor and recognition towards God, the ultimate source of truth and authority.

Practical Application

John 7:18 offers a timeless principle for spiritual discernment. For believers, it serves as a crucial reminder to examine the motivations behind teachings and leaders, as well as their own actions. Are we seeking our own praise, or are we genuinely striving to glorify God in all that we do and say? This verse encourages humility and a focus on divine purpose over personal ambition, ensuring that our lives and messages are rooted in truth and righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 5:41

    I receive not honour from men.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • John 13:31

    ¶ Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

  • John 13:32

    If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

  • John 8:49

    Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

  • John 8:50

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

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