New International Version Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. New Living Translation Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. English Standard Version Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. Berean Standard Bible Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Berean Literal Bible Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who is doing sin is a slave of sin. King James Bible Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. New King James Version Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. New American Standard Bible Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. NASB 1995 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. NASB 1977 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Legacy Standard Bible Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Amplified Bible Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin. Berean Annotated Bible Jesus (YHWH saves) replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you⁺, everyone who sins is a slave {doulos} to sin. Christian Standard Bible Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. Holman Christian Standard Bible Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. American Standard Version Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. Contemporary English Version Jesus replied: I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin! English Revised Version Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus answered them, "I can guarantee this truth: Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin. Good News Translation Jesus said to them, "I am telling you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave of sin. International Standard Version Jesus answered them, "Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, that everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. NET Bible Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. New Heart English Bible Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Webster's Bible Translation Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Whoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. Weymouth New Testament "In most solemn truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "that every one who commits sin is the slave of sin. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. World English Bible Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionJesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who is committing sin, is a servant of sin, Berean Literal Bible Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who is doing sin is a slave of sin. Young's Literal Translation Jesus answered them, 'Verily, verily, I say to you -- Every one who is committing sin, is a servant of the sin, Smith's Literal Translation Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, say I to you, That every one doing sin, is servant of sin. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJesus answered them: Amen, amen I say unto you: that whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. Catholic Public Domain Version Jesus answered them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, that everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. New American Bible Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. New Revised Standard Version Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is a servant of sin. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Yeshua said to them: “Timeless truth I speak to you: Whoever commits sin is a servant of sin.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentJesus answered them: Verily, verily I say to you, whoever works sin is the servant of sin. Godbey New Testament Jesus responded to them, Haweis New Testament Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, That every one who committeth sin is the slave of sin. Mace New Testament Jesus answered them, I declare unto you, whosoever committeth sin, is a slave to sin. Weymouth New Testament "In most solemn truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "that every one who commits sin is the slave of sin. Worrell New Testament Jesus answered them, Worsley New Testament Jesus answered them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Truth will Set You Free…33“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.… Cross References Jesus replied, Luke 10:26 “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, “Aren’t you mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? “Truly, truly, I tell you, John 1:51 Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 3:3 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 5:24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. everyone who sins 1 Kings 8:46 When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, Ecclesiastes 7:20 Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, is a slave to sin. Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:20 For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness. Romans 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. Romans 6:17-18 But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. Treasury of Scripture Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. Verily. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever. 1 Kings 21:25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Jump to Previous Bondman Bondservant Commits Committeth Committing Evil Jesus Practises Servant Sin Slave Solemn Truth VerilyJump to Next Bondman Bondservant Commits Committeth Committing Evil Jesus Practises Servant Sin Slave Solemn Truth VerilyJohn 8 1. Jesus delivers the woman taken in adultery.12. He declares himself the light of the world, and justifies his doctrine; 31. promises freedom to those who believe; 33. answers the Jews who boasted of Abraham; 48. answers their reviling, by showing his authority and dignity; 59. and slips away from those who would stone him. Jesus replied, He answered those who claimed that, as Abraham’s descendants, they had never been enslaved and did not need freedom. Luk 10:26 “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied.… “Truly, truly, I tell you, He spoke with solemn certainty, calling attention to a truth His hearers needed to face. Jhn 1:51 Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, …… everyone who sins Sin belongs to every human heart and is not removed by ancestry, religious privilege, or outward morality. 1Ki 8:46 When they sin against You—for there is no one… is a slave to sin. Sin becomes a controlling master, binding people in disobedience and separating them from God. Only the Son can give the freedom they lacked. Rom 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts, addressing the Jews who had believed in Him. His words are authoritative and reveal deep spiritual truths. 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. Temple Courts The setting of this discourse, a place of teaching and worship in Jerusalem where Jesus often engaged with the people and religious leaders. 4. Sin The condition or act that Jesus describes as enslaving. In the original Greek, the word for sin is "hamartia," which means missing the mark or falling short of God's standard. 5. Slavery A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the binding and controlling nature of sin. The Greek word "doulos" implies a lack of freedom and autonomy. Teaching Points The Reality of Sin's EnslavementSin is not just an act but a condition that enslaves individuals, affecting their will and actions. Recognizing the enslaving power of sin is the first step toward seeking freedom in Christ. The Need for a Savior Jesus highlights the necessity of His role as the one who can free us from the bondage of sin. Believers must rely on Christ's power and grace to overcome sin's hold. Living in Freedom True freedom is found in living according to God's will and righteousness. Believers are called to live as free people, not using freedom as a cover-up for evil but as servants of God. The Importance of Abiding in Christ Continuous relationship with Jesus is essential for maintaining freedom from sin. Abiding in Christ involves regular prayer, study of the Word, and obedience to His commands. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 8:34?2. How does John 8:34 define the relationship between sin and slavery? 3. What practical steps can we take to avoid becoming "a slave to sin"? 4. How does Romans 6:16-18 expand on John 8:34's message about sin? 5. In what ways can believers experience freedom from sin's bondage today? 6. How can understanding John 8:34 deepen our reliance on Christ for freedom? 7. What does Jesus mean by "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" in John 8:34? 8. How does John 8:34 relate to the concept of free will in Christianity? 9. In what ways does John 8:34 challenge the idea of inherent human goodness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 8? (34) Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.--The Cambridge MS. and some of the Fathers omit the words "of sin"; but this is clearly to avoid the difficulty of the connection of thought, and they must be regarded as an integral part of the text. Committeth sin.--The Greek word is a present participle, expressing the continuance of the deeds of sin. It means, not simply the committing individual sins, from which no man is free, but the state of the life which is sinful; the state which is opposed to doing the will of the Father, and is expressed in other words as "working iniquity" (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:23.) The truth is taught in the generality of a well-known maxim, but it has for them a special application. They claimed to be Abraham's seed, and therefore free. Let their lives decide the question of their freedom. He could appeal (John 8:28-29) to a perfect harmony with the divine will, and therefore had a perfect freedom. For many of them the voice of conscience must have spoken in terrible words, and must have revealed the chain which had bound them, hand and foot, in the slavery of sin. Is the servant of sin.--The word means bondservant, or slave. It has been rendered by "bondman," and this brings out the connection of the word with that for "was in bondage," in the last verse. It is striking that we have this same thought in the letters of both St. Paul and St. Peter. (See margin.) Verse 34. - Jesus answered them; i.e. those "Jews who believed him," but whose retort showed their faith to be of the most feeble and imperfect kind, and which, if it were momentarily assumed, was ready to disappear at the first touch of trial. A promise of Divine love had been treated by them as an insult, not so much to their national history, as to their religious triumph over their civil and political disasters. There is no reason to believe that in these, or in the following words, the unbelieving Jews had once more become the interlocutors, as Tholuck and Hengstenberg have done on different grounds. Meyer, Ellicott, Lange, and many others agree with the view here advanced. The answer to them (αὐτοῖς, those who were the subjects of ἀπεκρίθησαν) is introduced with peculiar solemnity: Verily, verily I say unto you, every one (πᾶς) that doeth sin - ὁ ποιῶν ἁμαρτίαν is different from πράσσων φαῦλα of John 3:20; it is the precise opposite of ποιῶν ἀλήθειαν of John 3:21, and does not mean "everyone who committeth separate acts of transgression," but it means "everyone who is living a life of sin" - is the bond slave (of sin). Godet is strongly disposed, on the ground of the exceedingly small authority of D and b alone (and certain quotations of Origen), to believe that the τῆς ἁμαρτίας is a gloss. Certainly the whole passage would be easier to interpret if our Lord had simply said that the man under the habitual power of sin is a slave, and had then, in vers. 35 and 36, advanced to the contrast between the slave and the Son. But there is great unanimity among all the authorities as to the accuracy of the Received and Revised Texts, though Westcott and Hort place it in brackets. The interpretation, consequently, is simply this, that Christ did "pass from the idea of bondage under sin to that of bondage generally, and from the idea of sonship to the Son" (Westcott). The notion of personal transgression producing a bondage, and enfettering the soul and the will, and separating it from the glorious liberty of true sonship, lay outside of their notion of discipleship. They were not requiring deliverance from sin or its bondage; what they wanted was the full realization of the national hope. The language of this verse can be paralleled from the writings of the classics and rabbis, and is largely handled by St. Paul (Romans 6. and 7.). The relation between sin as a principle and sins as acts of the will is a great New Testament revelation. The personal commission of sin augments the force of the corrupt tendency which leads to and facilitates fresh transgression. Every compliance with evil forges a new fetter, and imposes it on the will of the transgressor. "The strong man guards his house, and his goods are in peace" (Luke 11:21). John 8:34 exposes the human condition: sin is bondage, not mere behavior. Jesus speaks with unmatched authority to announce that every sinner is captive, underlining our desperate need for His liberating grace. When He says, “Truly, truly,” we can stake our lives on the certainty that only He can move us from slavery to freedom.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek JesusἸησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. replied, Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “Truly, Ἀμὴν (Amēn) Hebrew Word Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. truly, ἀμὴν (amēn) Hebrew Word Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sins ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a slave δοῦλός (doulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. to τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive 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. sin. ἁμαρτίας (hamartias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin. Additonal Resources John 8:34 Blue Letter BibleJohn 8:34 Bible Gateway John 8:34 Bible.com John 8:34 NIV |
    |