John 2:25
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Study Note
Study Note
'And he needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man' — the narrative comment following Jesus's refusal to 'entrust himself to' those who believed because of signs attributes to Jesus the divine prerogative of knowing human hearts. The double use of anthrōpos (person, humanity) creates a wordplay: concerning humans he needed no human testimony because he himself knew the human heart's content. The verse grounds Jesus's later identification of Judas's betrayal (13:11), his knowledge of the Samaritan woman's history (4:17–18), and his discernment of Nathanael's character (1:47) in a fundamental divine omniscience rather than prophetic revelation for each occasion. The contrast with the inadequate faith of sign-believers (verse 23–24) introduces one of John's recurring themes: authentic discipleship is not based on miraculous validation but on the transforming word of the one who already knows us completely.
Other Translations
and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
and because he had no need that any should testify concerning man, for he himself was knowing what was in man.
He had no need for any witness about man; for he himself had knowledge of what was in man.
Cross References
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed …
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.