John 8:16

And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

And {G1161} yet {G2532} if {G1437} I {G1473} judge {G2919}, my {G1699} judgment {G2920} is {G2076} true {G227}: for {G3754} I am {G1510} not {G3756} alone {G3441}, but {G235} I {G1473} and {G2532} the Father {G3962} that sent {G3992} me {G3165}.

but if I were indeed to pass judgment, my judgment would be valid; because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the One who sent me.

But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me.

Yea and if I judge, my judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

In John 8:16, Jesus continues His discourse with the Pharisees in the Temple, responding to their challenge regarding the validity of His self-testimony. The verse is a profound assertion of His divine authority and the inseparable unity He shares with God the Father.

Context

This verse follows directly from the Pharisees' accusation that Jesus' testimony about Himself was not true, based on their interpretation of Jewish law (John 8:13). They argued that a person could not be a sole witness in their own case. Jesus addresses this by first asserting that even if He were to judge, His judgment is inherently true, and then by clarifying that He is, in fact, not alone in His witness. He is about to invoke the principle of two witnesses required by the Law, where He and the Father serve as the two indisputable witnesses (John 8:17).

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and True Judgment: Jesus declares that His judgment is "true" (Greek: alēthēs), meaning it is authentic, reliable, and grounded in ultimate reality. This isn't merely a claim of factual accuracy but of inherent divine truth. As the Son of God, His assessment and declarations carry absolute authority.
  • Unity with the Father: The core of Jesus' argument is His indissoluble unity with God the Father. He states, "I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." This highlights the profound partnership and shared purpose between the first and second persons of the Trinity. The Father's presence validates Jesus' words and actions, making His testimony unimpeachable. This concept of unity is echoed throughout John's Gospel, such as when Jesus declares, "I and my Father are one."
  • Divine Witness: Jesus emphasizes that the Father is a co-witness to His identity and mission. The Father not only "sent" Him but also testifies to Him, giving weight and legitimacy to all that Jesus says and does.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "true" here is alēthēs (ἀληθής), which implies not just factual correctness but also authenticity, reality, and conformity to divine standards. It's a deeper concept than mere accuracy. The phrase "I am not alone" (οὐκ εἰμὶ μόνος - ouk eimi monos) powerfully conveys the constant, active presence of the Father with Jesus, underscoring their shared essence and mission.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for believers today. Firstly, it reassures us of the absolute truth and reliability of Jesus' teachings and His very being. His words are not merely human opinions but are backed by divine authority. Secondly, it reminds us of the profound partnership within the Godhead, serving as a model for unity and purpose. For us, when we seek to live according to God's will and purpose, we can trust that we are not alone; the Father is with us, validating our efforts and guiding our paths. This divine partnership empowers us to live truthfully and courageously, knowing that our actions, when aligned with God, carry a greater weight and purpose.

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.

  • Acts 17:31

    Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

  • John 8:29

    And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

  • John 16:32

    Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But 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 5:22

    For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

  • John 5:30

    I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

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