Then you will know the truth
This phrase emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in the life of a believer. In the context of John 8, Jesus is speaking to Jews who had believed in Him, highlighting the necessity of continuing in His word to truly be His disciples. The "truth" here is not merely factual accuracy but a deeper, spiritual truth that comes from a relationship with Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). This truth is revealed through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) and is consistent with the teachings of the Old Testament, which point to the coming Messiah. The concept of knowing the truth is also linked to the Hebrew understanding of knowledge, which involves an intimate, experiential relationship rather than just intellectual assent.

and the truth will set you free.
Freedom in this context refers to liberation from the bondage of sin. Jesus is addressing the spiritual slavery that comes from sin, as He later explains in John 8:34. This freedom is not political or social but spiritual, offering deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. The idea of freedom is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition, with the Exodus being a central narrative of liberation. However, Jesus redefines freedom as something that can only be achieved through Him. This freedom is also a fulfillment of the prophetic promises of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of the Messiah proclaiming liberty to the captives. The truth of the Gospel, therefore, is the means by which believers are set free, aligning with Paul's teachings in Romans 6:18, where he speaks of being set free from sin and becoming slaves to righteousness.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing a group of Jews who had believed in Him. He is the central figure in the Gospel of John, revealing Himself as the Son of God and the source of truth.

2. The Jews
The audience to whom Jesus is speaking. They are described as those who had believed in Him, yet their understanding and acceptance of His teachings are being challenged.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The setting for this discourse. Jesus often taught in the temple courts, engaging with both followers and skeptics.

4. The Concept of Truth
Central to this passage, truth is presented as a liberating force. In the original Greek, the word for truth is "aletheia," which implies reality as opposed to illusion or falsehood.

5. Freedom
The result of knowing the truth. The Greek word "eleutheroo" is used, meaning to liberate or set free, indicating a release from bondage or oppression.The Nature of Truth
Truth is not subjective but is found in the person of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to seek and adhere to this truth.

Freedom Through Christ
True freedom is spiritual and comes from knowing Christ and His teachings. This freedom liberates us from the bondage of sin and deception.

The Importance of Discipleship
Knowing the truth requires ongoing discipleship and commitment to Jesus' teachings. It is a continuous journey of learning and applying His word.

The Role of Scripture
Engaging with the Bible is essential for understanding and living out the truth. Scripture is the primary means through which God reveals His truth to us.

Living Out the Truth
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects the truth we have received, impacting our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.(32) And ye shall know the truth.--In the great Intercessory Prayer of John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples: "Sanctify them in the truth: Thy word is truth" (John 8:17). In the answer to the question of Thomas in John 14, He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 8:6). It is this thought that is present in the connection between continuance in His word and knowledge of the truth here. These Jews professed to know the truth, and to be the official expounders of it. They had yet to learn that truth was not only a system, but also a power; not only something to be written or spoken, but also something to be felt and lived. If they abide in His word they will indeed be His disciples; living the life of truth, they will gain perception of truth. "Being true," they will "in love grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).

And the truth shall make you free.--Here, as in John 17:17, truth and holiness are spoken of as correlative. The light of truth dispels the darkness in which lies the stronghold of evil. Sin is the bondage of the powers of the soul, and this bondage is willed because the soul does not see its fearful evil. When it perceives the truth, there comes to it a power which rouses it from its stupor, and strengthens it to break the fetters by which it has been bound. Freedom from the Roman rule was one of the national hopes bound up with Messiah's Advent. There is indeed a freedom from a more crushing foe than the legions of Rome. (Comp. Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30.) . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you will know
γνώσεσθε (gnōsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth,
ἀλήθειαν (alētheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth
ἀλήθεια (alētheia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

will set you free.”
ἐλευθερώσει (eleutherōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1659: To free, set free, liberate. From eleutheros; to liberate, i.e. to exempt.


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NT Gospels: John 8:32 You will know the truth and (Jhn Jo Jn)