Devine Scripture

John 2:24

What does John 2:24 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:24 means

Despite the apparent belief of many, Jesus "did not trust himself unto them." This shows His profound understanding of human nature. He was not swayed by superficial displays of faith or popular acclaim. His refusal to commit Himself to them indicates that He knew their belief was often based on a desire for signs rather than a genuine, transforming commitment to Him as the Son of God. This discernment highlights His divine wisdom and His focus on true, enduring faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus did not have faith in them, because he had knowledge of them all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus himself was not trusting himself to them, because of his knowing all <FI>men<Fi> ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus did not trust himself unto them: for that he knew all men,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus himself did not trust himself to them, because he knew all [men],

Context

Following the description of many people believing in Jesus due to His signs, this verse presents a crucial qualification: Jesus' own discernment about the nature of their faith. This serves to temper the previous statement, introducing a deeper theological point about the quality of belief. It connects directly to the next verse, providing the reason for Jesus' reserved approach despite popular acclaim.

v.23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.

v.24This passage

v.25and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 2:8

    And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

  • Jeremiah 17:9

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17

    I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, that are present here, offer willingly unto thee.

  • John 16:30

    Now know we that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

  • John 5:42

    But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

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