New Testament
John 8:50
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"I'm not seeking my own glory. There is one who seeks it and who judges.
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And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
What John 8:50 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that He is not focused on seeking personal glory or recognition. Instead, He points out that there is someone else who is concerned with glory and judgment. This implies that Jesus is humble and prioritizes His mission over personal fame. The 'one' who seeks glory and judges is often understood to refer to God the Father, who has the ultimate authority and power. Jesus' statement reflects His commitment to fulfilling His purpose without seeking accolades for Himself. This humility is a key aspect of His character and mission, showing that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking personal honor. By acknowledging that someone else is responsible for judgment, Jesus also highlights the divine authority that underpins His ministry and the importance of aligning with God's will rather than pursuing self-interest.
How to apply John 8:50 to your life
In our daily lives, we can learn from Jesus' example of humility. Instead of seeking personal recognition, we should focus on serving others and fulfilling our responsibilities. By prioritizing God's glory over our own, we can cultivate a more meaningful and impactful life.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 8:50 mean?
In John 8:50, Jesus states that He is not seeking His own glory, indicating His humility and focus on His mission. He points out that there is someone else, understood to be God the Father, who seeks glory and has the authority to judge.
What is the significance of humility in John 8:50?
The humility expressed in John 8:50 shows that Jesus prioritizes His purpose over personal recognition. This teaches us the value of serving others and aligning with God's will rather than seeking our own fame.
Who is the 'one' that seeks glory in John 8:50?
The 'one' referred to in John 8:50 is commonly understood to be God the Father. This highlights the divine authority behind Jesus' mission and the importance of God's judgment.
How can we apply John 8:50 in our lives?
We can apply John 8:50 by focusing on serving others and prioritizing God's glory over our own recognition. This approach can lead to a more meaningful and impactful life.
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