In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus subtly highlights that "your law" is actually God's law, setting up a contrast between their flawed human understanding and the divine truth he represents. By referencing this legal principle, he prepares the ground for the even greater testimony of himself and the Father, implying their joint witness far surpasses the mere requirement of two human testimonies.
In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is confronting the religious leaders who are judging him based on outward appearances and earthly standards. He asserts that their judgment is flawed ("according to the flesh") and that his own judgment is true because it's not his alone, but joined with the Father's. To support this, he appeals to their own law, which requires two witnesses for testimony to be considered valid, setting up the divine pairing of himself and the Father as the ultimate witnesses.
Jesus cites 'the Law' to prove His point. But which 'law' and why does it matter that the testimony of two people is considered true?
When Jesus refers to "your law," He's pointing to the Old Testament Scriptures that the religious leaders held in high regard. He specifically calls on the principle found in Deuteronomy, which states that a fact is established when confirmed by two or three witnesses.
The Legal Standard
Jesus doesn't just bring up a legal rule; He reveals a cosmic partnership. Who are these two witnesses Jesus refers to?
Jesus points to Himself and His Father as the two witnesses. This is a profound declaration of His divine nature and the unity He shares with God.
Unseen Testimony
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By invoking the law requiring two witnesses, Jesus is asserting that His claim isn't just His word; it's backed by the authority and truth of God Himself. He isn't judging in the human sense; He's revealing divine truth with divine validation.
The leaders were judging Jesus based on superficial things. How does Jesus' argument expose their flawed judgment?
The religious leaders were judging Jesus based on 'the flesh' – their human, flawed perspective, focusing on appearances and lack of earthly credentials. They couldn't see past His humble origins.
Beyond Human Sight
Jesus is highlighting the critical difference between human, fleshly judgment and divine, Spirit-led truth. Their inability to recognize the Father's witness showed they didn't truly know either Jesus or God.
Understand the original words
martyria · Greek Noun
In a legal or religious context, this refers to a declaration of fact or truth, often used as evidence in a court or to confirm the validity of a claim. It carries the weight of authoritative verification.
By referencing the Mosaic Law's requirement for multiple witnesses, Jesus deftly counters the legalistic arguments of His opponents and elevates His own divine testimony, backed by the Father.
c. 1400 BC
The Law is Given at Sinai
God delivers the Law, including commandments regarding testimony and legal proceedings, through Moses to the Israelites.
c. 700 BC
Deuteronomy Codified
The book of Deuteronomy, which contains stipulations about the necessity of two or three witnesses for legal matters, is written and circulated.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Jesus is teaching in the temple area, specifically in the treasury, during one of the final Passovers before his crucifixion.
AD 30-33
Jesus' Authority Questioned
Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority and teachings, leading to a debate where Jesus invokes legal principles to support his claims.
This is the primary Old Testament passage Jesus is referencing, establishing the legal principle that two or three witnesses are needed to establish a fact, which Jesus then adapts to his divine testimony.
1 John 5:9This passage directly compares human testimony with God's testimony of Jesus, highlighting that divine witness is far greater, echoing Jesus' argument that His and the Father's testimony is superior to human legal standards.
Matthew 18:16Here, Jesus applies the principle of establishing a matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses to church discipline, showing how this legal concept was understood and applied within his teachings and Jewish law.
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature and upholding the universe by his word, underscoring the divine authority behind Jesus' testimony that He appeals to in John 8:17-18.
calvinJohn 8:15-20: "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."
- You judge according to the flesh; I judge no man. 16. And if I judge, my judgment is true; [216] for I am not alone, but I and the Father, who hath sent me. 17. It is even written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18. I am one who testify concerning myself, and the Father who hath sent me testifieth concerning me. 19. They said therefore to him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, You neither know me nor my Father.…
gillJohn 8:17: "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."
It is also written in your law,.... The law of Moses, which was given unto them, and they boasted of; the passage referred to is in Deuteronomy 19:15 ; see also Deuteronomy 17:6 ; where though what follows is not to be found in so many words, yet the sense is there expressed: that the testimony of two men is true: concerning which the Jewish writers say (y), "they used not to determine any judiciary matter by th…
Jesus subtly highlights that "your law" is actually God's law, setting up a contrast between their flawed human understanding and the divine truth he represents. By referencing this legal principle, he prepares the ground for the even greater testimony of himself and the Father, implying their joint witness far surpasses the mere requirement of two human testimonies.
Jesus is confronting the religious leaders who are judging him based on outward appearances and earthly standards. He asserts that their judgment is flawed ("according to the flesh") and that his own judgment is true because it's not his alone, but joined with the Father's. To support this, he appeals to their own law, which requires two witnesses for testimony to be considered valid, setting up the divine pairing of himself and the Father as the ultimate witnesses.
Jesus is confronting the religious leaders who are judging him based on outward appearances and earthly standards. He asserts that their judgment is flawed ("according to the flesh") and that his own judgment is true because it's not his alone, but joined with the Father's. To support this, he appeals to their own law, which requires two witnesses for testimony to be considered valid, setting up the divine pairing of himself and the Father as the ultimate witnesses.
"In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true." — Jesus subtly highlights that "your law" is actually God's law, setting up a contrast between their flawed human understanding and the divine truth he represents. By referencing this legal principle…
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Last reviewed October 2026