John 8:34
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't just talking about occasional mistakes; when he says "everyone who practices sin," he's pointing to a lifestyle. The Greek word for "practices" implies a habitual, ongoing action, meaning this isn't about stumbling but about making sin your regular occupation.
Jesus has just told a group who claimed to believe in him that if they "continue in my word," they are truly his disciples and will "know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They react defensively, boasting of their lineage as Abraham's offspring and claiming they've never been enslaved, misunderstanding Jesus' talk of freedom. In response, Jesus directly confronts their boast by explaining that their pursuit of killing him and their inability to accept his word reveal a deeper, more sinister form of bondage.
Jesus drops a bombshell: 'Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.' What does this mean for our understanding of sin and freedom?
Jesus isn't talking about the occasional slip-up. The Greek word 'poion' (practicing/doing) here implies a continuous, habitual action. When Jesus says 'everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin,' he's revealing a profound truth about the nature of sin. It's not just a series of isolated incidents; it's a force that can take control.
If practicing sin makes us slaves, where can true freedom be found? Jesus points to a liberating power far greater than any earthly status.
The conversation pivots from the problem of sin's slavery to the solution: freedom through Jesus. The Jews believed they were free because of their lineage, but Jesus reveals a deeper truth.
Understand the original words
hamartia · Greek Noun
Any thought, desire, word, or action that misses the mark of God's holy standard; it is a rebellious state of being that alienates humanity from God.
doulos · Greek Noun
One who is legally and existentially bound to a master, lacking personal autonomy; spiritually, it describes the state of humanity being under the compulsive power of sin.
This passage directly parallels John 8:34 by explaining that to whom you surrender yourselves to obey, you become their slave, whether to sin leading to death or to obedience leading to righteousness.
1 John 3:8This verse reinforces Jesus' statement by declaring that the one who practices sin is of the devil, further illustrating the concept of being enslaved to sin by linking it to allegiance to evil.
2 Peter 2:19This passage speaks about those who promise freedom to others but are themselves slaves of corruption, directly echoing the idea that practicing sin makes one a slave, even if they don't perceive it.
Galatians 5:1This verse highlights the freedom Christ has given us and calls believers not to return to the yoke of slavery, emphasizing the contrast between true freedom in Christ and the bondage of sin.
barnesJohn 8:34: "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
Whosoever committeth sin ... - In this passage Jesus shows them that he did not refer to political bondage, but to the slavery of the soul to evil passions and desires. Is the servant - Is the slave of sin. He is bound to it as a slave is to his master.
vincentJohn 8:34: "Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
Whosoever committeth (πᾶς ὁ ποιῶν)Rev., more correctly, every one that committeth.Sin (τὴν ἁμαρτίαν)The definite article, the sin, shows that Jesus does not mean merely a simple act, but a life of sin. Compare 1 John 3:4-8, and doeth the truth (John 3:21); doeth the righteousness (1 John 2:29).The servant (δοῦλος)Or, a servant. Properly, a bond-servant or slave. See on Matthe…
Jesus isn't just talking about occasional mistakes; when he says "everyone who practices sin," he's pointing to a lifestyle. The Greek word for "practices" implies a habitual, ongoing action, meaning this isn't about stumbling but about making sin your regular occupation.
Jesus has just told a group who claimed to believe in him that if they "continue in my word," they are truly his disciples and will "know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They react defensively, boasting of their lineage as Abraham's offspring and claiming they've never been enslaved, misunderstanding Jesus' talk of freedom. In response, Jesus directly confronts their boast by explaining that their pursuit of killing him and their inability to accept his word reveal a deeper, more sinister form of bondage.
Jesus has just told a group who claimed to believe in him that if they "continue in my word," they are truly his disciples and will "know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They react defensively, boasting of their lineage as Abraham's offspring and claiming they've never been enslaved, misunderstanding Jesus' talk of freedom. In response, Jesus directly confronts their boast by explaining that their pursuit of killing him and their inability to accept his word reveal a deeper, more sinister form of bondage.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about John 8:34 is available in the Sola app.
"Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin." — Jesus isn't just talking about occasional mistakes; when he says "everyone who practices sin," he's pointing to a lifestyle. The Greek word for "practices" implies a habitual, ongoing action, meaning…
