Bible Strands
John 8:17
Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Jewish opponents in the temple during a dispute over His authority and judgment. He responds to their skepticism by anchoring His defense in the legal standard they acknowledge.
The words — γέγραπται (gegraptai) translates literally as "it has been written," emphasizing a fixed, authoritative record. ὑμετέρῳ (hymeterō) means "of you," locating the binding force of this rule within the opponents' own legal tradition.
The thread — The dual-witness requirement originates in Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 19:15, which mandate multiple witnesses to establish guilt or execute judgment. The New Testament reaffirms this standard in Hebrews 10:28 regarding Mosaic legal enforcement.
Why it lands — The text explicitly states that two valid witnesses satisfy the legal requirement for establishing truth. It asks the reader to recognize that Jesus and the Father together meet this standard, making their combined testimony legally sufficient and spiritually authoritative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Deuteronomy 17:6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.
- Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Matthew 18:16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
- Galatians 3:24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?
- Revelation 11:3 And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
- 1 Kings 21:10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”
- 1 John 5:9 Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.