Meaning, commentary and cross references
John 8:32
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
NIV · New International Version
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
WEB · World English Bible
You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
What does John 8:32 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth,.... Either the truth of the Gospel, the truth as it is in Jesus; meaning, that they should have a larger knowledge of it, while others are ever learning, and never come to the knowledge of the truth; but the spirit of truth should lead them into all truth, and cause them to grow and increase in Gospel light and knowledge; or Jesus himself, who is the way, the truth, and the life; and the sense is, that they should know more of him, of the dignity of his person, of the nature and usefulness of his offices; of the efficacy of his blood, the excellency of his righteousness, and the fulness of his grace, and that for themselves: and the truth shall make you free…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on John 8:31–37
[1.] "You shall know the truth, shall know all that truth which it is needful and profitable for you to know, and shall be more confirmed in the belief of it, shall know the certainty of it." Note, First, Even those who are true believers, and disciples indeed, yet may be, and are, much in the dark concerning many things which they should know. God's children are but children, and understand and speak as children.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on John 8:30–38
32. And you shall know the truth. He says, that they who have arrived at some knowledge of it shall know the truth True, those whom Christ addresses were as yet uneducated, and scarcely knew the first elements, and therefore we need not wonder if he promises them a more full understanding of his doctrine. But the statement is general.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: John 8:29–35 (WEB)
29He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30As he spoke these things, many believed in him. 31Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. 35A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever.
Cross references
- Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
- John 8:36
If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
- John 17:17
Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.
- 1 Peter 2:16
Live as free people, yet not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
- John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
- Romans 6:22
But now, being made free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification and the result of eternal life.
- Romans 6:14–18
For sin will not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.
- Isaiah 61:1
The Lord GOD’s Spirit is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound,