John 8:13

Ver. 13. “ The Pharisees therefore said to him, thou bearest witness of thyself; thy witness is not true. ”

Lucke and Weiss infer from the words the Pharisess, that the pilgrims had already departed from Jerusalem. But why could not the Pharisees have been among the multitude present at the feast? This last word: is not true, does not signify: “is false,” but: “is not sufficiently guaranteed, not worthy of credit.” There was a Rabbinical adage which said indeed: “No man bears witness of Himself.” The objectors raise only a question of form; they are undoubtedly somewhat intimidated by the Lord's tone of authority. They might have quoted to Him His own word of John 5:31: “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” Jesus treats first the question of substance (John 8:14); then, that of form (John 8:15-18).