John 8:34
What does John 8:34 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:34 means
Jesus answers with solemn emphasis: everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. Slavery here is moral and spiritual bondage, not political condition. Sin is not a pastime but a tyrant, producing habits and guilt we cannot break in our own strength. This universal diagnosis levels all boasting—Abraham’s seed or not, all who sin are enslaved. The problem is internal, demanding a Redeemer. Jesus’ truth strips illusions and prepares the way for grace. Recognizing oneself as a slave is the first step toward seeking the liberating power that only the Son can give.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And this was the answer Jesus gave them: Truly I say to you, Everyone who does evil is the servant of sin.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered them, `Verily, verily, I say to you--Every one who is committing sin, is a servant of the sin,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered them: Amen, amen, I say unto you that whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Every one that practises sin is the bondman of sin.
Context
This definition of slavery counters their denial in the previous verse. It prepares for the household imagery that follows—slaves versus son. The argument is moving from diagnosis (bondage to sin) to the means of deliverance (the Son’s authority in the Father’s house). The next verse will note the impermanence of a slave in the house, highlighting the precariousness of those relying on mere heritage, while the son remains forever. This sets up the decisive promise in verse 36 about true freedom given by the Son.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 6:12
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:
- Romans 6:16
Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
- Romans 7:25
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
- 1 Kings 21:25
(But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
- Romans 8:21
that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
- Romans 6:6
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
Topic
Bible Verses About Lying
Discover what the Bible says about the deceitful practice of lying and its impact on our lives and relationships.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.