Book of John - Chapter 8 - Verse 13

When the Pharisees told Jesus that his testimony about himself was not valid, they were challenging his credibility as a witness. In Jewish law, a person's testimony about themselves was not considered reliable because they could be biased or untruthful in order to sway opinion in their favor. The Pharisees were essentially questioning Jesus' authority and trying to discredit his teaching. This encounter highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time, as they constantly sought to challenge and undermine his message. Despite their skepticism, Jesus stood firm in his beliefs and continued to preach the truth, even in the face of opposition from those who doubted him. This verse serves as a reminder of the different perspectives and challenges Jesus faced during his ministry, as he sought to bring the message of salvation to all who would listen.

During this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, the Pharisees challenged Jesus' testimony by claiming that he was speaking for himself and therefore his testimony was invalid. The phrase "Thou bearest record of thyself" is significant because the Pharisees were referring to the Jewish law that required two witnesses for testimony to hold weight. In this context, Jesus was essentially speaking on his own behalf, which was seen as insufficient in their eyes. Additionally, the phrase "thy record is not true" highlights the Pharisees' doubt and skepticism regarding Jesus' claims. They were questioning the legitimacy and truthfulness of his statements, further deepening the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of that time. This interaction sheds light on the power dynamics and theological disputes that characterized Jesus' ministry, emphasizing the ongoing clash between his teachings and the traditional beliefs held by the Pharisees.