And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
And {G1161} I {G1473} seek {G2212} not {G3756} mine own {G3450} glory {G1391}: there is {G2076} one that seeketh {G2212} and {G2532} judgeth {G2919}.
I am not seeking praise for myself. There is One who is seeking it, and he is the judge.
I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge.
But I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
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John 5:41
I receive not honour from men. -
John 8:54
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: -
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. -
John 5:20
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. -
John 5:23
That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. -
John 12:47
And 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 12:48
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Context of John 8:50
This verse is part of an intense dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders (Pharisees and others) in the Temple. They repeatedly question His authority, origin, and claims, often accusing Him of being demon-possessed or speaking blasphemy. In the verses immediately preceding, Jesus declares His eternal nature and unique relationship with Abraham, leading to their hostile reaction (John 8:48-49). Here, Jesus responds to their insults by emphasizing His pure motives and reliance on the Father's ultimate judgment and vindication.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "glory" (doxa - δόξα) refers to honor, renown, and splendor. When Jesus says, "I seek not mine own glory," He is disclaiming any pursuit of self-exaltation or human praise. The phrase "there is one that seeketh and judgeth" emphasizes the active role of God the Father. The verb "seeketh" (zētei - ζητεῖ) implies a pursuit or investigation, suggesting the Father actively looks out for Jesus' honor and truth. "Judgeth" (krinei - κρίνει) refers to the Father's ultimate authority to discern truth from falsehood and to execute righteous judgment.
Related Scriptures
Jesus' statement about not seeking His own glory is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, underscoring His divine humility. For example, He declares, "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" (John 7:18). Furthermore, the Father's role in judgment, though often committed to the Son, is ultimately rooted in the Father's authority, as seen in passages like John 5:22, where it states the Father has committed all judgment to the Son. Here, the emphasis is on the Father's direct action in vindicating Jesus against His accusers.
Practical Application
John 8:50 offers several powerful lessons for believers today: