John 8:17

KJV

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2532} It is {G1125} also {G1161} written {G1125} in {G1722} your {G5212} law {G3551}, that {G3754} the testimony {G3141} of two {G1417} men {G444} is {G2076} true {G227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And even in your Torah it is written that the testimony of two people is valid.

Berean Standard Bible

Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

American Standard Version

Yea and in your law it is written, that the witness of two men is true.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:17, Jesus, amidst a contentious debate with the Jewish religious leaders in the Temple, strategically appeals to a fundamental principle of their own Mosaic Law. Having just asserted His divine origin and authority, He confronts their challenge to His self-testimony by invoking the legal requirement that the validity of a matter must be established by the corroborating evidence of two witnesses. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, setting the stage for Jesus to reveal the ultimate, divine corroboration of His claims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a prolonged and escalating confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, particularly the Pharisees, during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. The discourse begins with Jesus' profound declaration, "[I am the light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")," which immediately draws a challenge from the Pharisees who question the validity of His self-testimony, stating, "[You bear record of yourself; your record is not true](/john/8-13 "John 8:13 - The Pharisees Challenge Jesus' Self-Testimony")." Jesus counters this by asserting that His testimony *is* true because He knows His divine origin and destination, unlike His accusers who judge by human standards ([John 8:14-16](/john/8-14-16 "John 8:14-16 - Jesus' Divine Judgment")). John 8:17 then marks a pivotal shift in Jesus' argumentation. He moves from asserting His inherent divine truthfulness to appealing to a legal framework that His adversaries themselves recognized. This sets the stage for the dramatic revelation in [John 8:18](/john/8-18 "John 8:18 - Jesus and the Father as Witnesses"), where Jesus identifies His Father as the second, divine witness, thereby fulfilling the very legal principle He cites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The legal principle cited by Jesus in [John 8:17](/john/8-17 "John 8:17 - Jesus Appeals to the Law of Witnesses") was a cornerstone of Jewish jurisprudence, deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law. This law, found explicitly in passages such as [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses for Capital Cases") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses for Any Charge"), stipulated that "at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." This was not merely a procedural rule but a safeguard against false accusations and a means to ensure justice. In a society where oral testimony held immense weight, this rule provided a basis for legal certainty. Jesus' use of "your law" (rather than "our law" or "the law") subtly highlights the Pharisees' claim to uphold this law, while simultaneously challenging their failure to apply its spirit to the very Son of God standing before them. The setting in the Temple treasury, a public and highly visible location, further amplified the legal and theological significance of this debate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Legal Validation and Divine Authority**. Jesus, though divine, willingly engages with human legal standards to demonstrate the irrefutable truth of His claims. He shows that His authority is not arbitrary but is consistent with, and indeed transcends, the very law the Jewish leaders profess to follow. Secondly, it develops the theme of **Witness and Testimony**. Throughout John, Jesus' identity and mission are consistently affirmed by various witnesses: John the Baptist ([John 1:19-34](/john/1-19-34 "John 1:19-34 - John the Baptist's Testimony")), His works ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")), the Scriptures ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - The Scriptures Testify of Jesus")), and crucially, the Father Himself ([John 5:37](/john/5-37 "John 5:37 - The Father Testifies of Jesus")). This verse prepares for the ultimate witness, that of God the Father, in [John 8:18](/john/8-18 "John 8:18 - Jesus and the Father as Witnesses"). Lastly, the verse highlights the **Truthfulness of Jesus' Claims**. By appealing to a universally accepted legal principle, Jesus reinforces the absolute veracity of His identity and mission, challenging His adversaries to confront the truth even when it comes from an unexpected source.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," especially to write, or figuratively, to describe. Here, it refers to the permanent, authoritative nature of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that the principle Jesus cites is not a new invention but an established, inscribed truth within their own legal code. Its use underscores the immutability and reliability of the divine statutes.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to parcel out," this term refers to law, regulation, or principle, specifically the Mosaic Law, including its written volume. Jesus' use of "your law" (hymeteros nomos) is a pointed rhetorical device, acknowledging their possession and supposed adherence to it, while implicitly critiquing their failure to recognize its fulfillment. It signifies the authoritative legal framework that governed Jewish life and thought.
* **testimony (Greek, _martyría'_):** This noun denotes evidence given, whether judicially or generally, and signifies a witness or record. In the context of the New Testament, particularly in John's Gospel, "testimony" often carries a profound spiritual weight, referring to divine witness to truth. Here, it refers to the legal corroboration required to establish the truth of a claim, which Jesus will soon elevate to a divine level.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is also written in your law,"**: Jesus introduces His argument by appealing to a recognized authority—the Mosaic Law. The phrase "your law" is significant; it is not "our law" or "the law," but "your law," highlighting that the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their adherence to the Law, should recognize and respect its principles. This sets up a rhetorical trap, as they are now compelled to acknowledge a principle they claim to uphold, even if it validates Jesus' claims. The passive voice "it is written" points to the divine origin and established authority of this legal principle.
* **"that the testimony of two men is true."**: This clause states the specific legal principle from the Old Testament, found in [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses"). It asserts that for a claim or accusation to be considered valid and established, it must be corroborated by the evidence of at least two witnesses. Jesus is applying this well-known legal standard to His own self-testimony, preparing to reveal that He is not a lone witness, but that His Father also testifies on His behalf, thus fulfilling the legal requirement on a divine plane. The word "true" (alēthēs) here means genuine, veracious, or not concealing, emphasizing the undeniable validity that multiple testimonies impart.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' statement in [John 8:17](/john/8-17 "John 8:17 - Jesus Appeals to the Law of Witnesses") masterfully employs several literary and rhetorical devices. Firstly, there is a clear **Allusion** to the Mosaic Law, specifically the legal principle of two or three witnesses found in [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Law of Two or Three Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses"). By referencing "your law," Jesus demonstrates His profound knowledge of their sacred texts and uses their own authoritative source against them. Secondly, the passage exhibits **Rhetorical Questioning** (implied) and **Argumentation**. Jesus doesn't ask a direct question, but His statement functions as a challenge: "You claim my testimony is not true, but even your own law states that two witnesses establish truth. What then?" This is a powerful form of **Ad Hominem Argumentation** (in the classical sense of appealing to the person's own principles, not attacking them), forcing His opponents to confront the implications of their own legal framework. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in Jesus' use of "your law." The Pharisees are meticulous about the letter of the law, yet they are blind to its ultimate fulfillment and the divine truth standing before them. Jesus uses their cherished legal system to expose their spiritual blindness and prepare them for the revelation of the Father as His co-witness, thereby fulfilling the law in a way they could not comprehend.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:17 serves as a crucial theological pivot, demonstrating that even divine truth is presented in a manner that respects human legal and epistemological frameworks. Jesus, as the embodiment of truth, does not merely demand belief but offers compelling, corroborated evidence for His claims. This verse underscores the divine commitment to truth and justice, reflecting God's own character as a God who establishes truth through reliable witness. It also highlights the consistency of God's revelation across testaments, showing that the principles established in the Old Covenant find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. The Father's testimony to the Son is the ultimate corroboration, elevating the human legal principle to a divine standard, ensuring that Jesus' claims are not merely self-proclaimed but divinely affirmed.

* [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses for Capital Cases")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")
* [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "2 Corinthians 13:1 - Paul Appeals to the Principle of Two or Three Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principle articulated in John 8:17—that truth is established by the testimony of two witnesses—holds profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that the claims of Jesus Christ are not unsubstantiated or based on a single, isolated assertion. Rather, they are corroborated by a multitude of witnesses: the Old Testament prophecies, the testimony of John the Baptist, the miraculous works of Jesus, the witness of His disciples, and supremely, the testimony of God the Father Himself. This offers immense confidence to believers, assuring us that our faith is grounded in verifiable truth, not mere speculation or wishful thinking. Furthermore, this principle encourages us to be discerning in our pursuit of truth, whether in spiritual matters or in everyday life. It teaches us the value of corroboration, of seeking multiple, reliable sources, and of not accepting claims without due diligence. As followers of Christ, we are also called to be faithful witnesses to His truth in the world, understanding that our collective testimony, empowered by the Holy Spirit, helps to establish the reality of the Gospel for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of two witnesses, applied to Jesus' claims, strengthen your confidence in the truth of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways do you see God providing multiple "witnesses" to His truth in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How can you, as a believer, embody the spirit of a true and reliable witness for Christ in your daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus say 'your law' instead of 'our law' or 'the law' in John 8:17?**

Answer: Jesus' use of "your law" (Greek: _ho nomos hymōn_) is a deliberate rhetorical choice that highlights the Pharisees' perceived ownership and exclusive understanding of the Mosaic Law. By saying "your law," Jesus subtly distinguishes Himself from their legalistic interpretation and challenges their claim to be its sole custodians. It implies, "Even by the standards of the law you claim to uphold, my testimony is valid." This phrasing puts the onus on them to acknowledge a principle they supposedly revered, even when it validated the claims of the one they sought to condemn. It underscores their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness in failing to recognize the Law's ultimate fulfillment in Him.

**Who are the "two men" Jesus is referring to in John 8:17?**

Answer: While the Old Testament law refers to "two men" (or witnesses) in a general sense to establish a legal matter (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")), Jesus immediately clarifies who these two witnesses are in the very next verse, [John 8:18](/john/8-18 "John 8:18 - Jesus and the Father as Witnesses"). He declares, "I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me." Therefore, the "two men" (or witnesses) Jesus refers to are Himself and God the Father. This elevates the legal principle from a human standard to a divine one, asserting that His claims are not merely self-proclaimed but divinely corroborated by the ultimate authority, God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:17, by invoking the legal principle of two witnesses, powerfully foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely appealing to a human legal standard; He is revealing the divine corroboration of His identity as the Son of God. He Himself is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), testifying to the truth of God and the way of salvation. The second witness, as revealed in [John 8:18](/john/8-18 "John 8:18 - Jesus and the Father as Witnesses"), is God the Father, who consistently bears witness to His Son through various means: His voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")) and transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Father's Voice at the Transfiguration")), through the miraculous works Jesus performed ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")), and through the Holy Spirit sent to testify of Christ ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Holy Spirit Testifies of Jesus")). Thus, the legal requirement for truth is not just met but supremely transcended in Christ, whose claims are eternally validated by the Father's divine testimony, offering an unshakeable foundation for faith in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Galatians 3:24

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Galatians 4:21

¶ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?