John 8:32

32 and you will ¹know the truth, and the truth ²will set you free."

John 8:32 Meaning and Commentary

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;
from ignorance and error, and the prejudices of education, under which the whole nation laboured, and from the thraldom of the law.

John 8:32 In-Context

30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"

34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.

Cross References

• 1. 2 John 1
• 2. ver. 36; Romans 6:18, 22; Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 7:22; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1, 13; James 1:25; James 2:12; 1 Peter 2:16