John 7 18

John 7:18 kjv

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

John 7:18 nkjv

He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

John 7:18 niv

Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

John 7:18 esv

The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

John 7:18 nlt

Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies.

John 7 verses

John 7 18 Meaning

John 7:18 reveals a fundamental principle for discerning true divine messengers from those who speak of their own accord. Jesus declares that one who speaks of themselves, generating their message from their own intellect or ambition, inherently seeks their own glory. In contrast, one whose teaching originates from the Sender (God) and whose ultimate aim is to glorify that Sender, demonstrates true genuineness and moral righteousness, being free from self-serving deceit or hidden agendas. This verse serves as a crucial criterion for assessing authenticity in teaching and divine commission.

John 7 18 Context

John chapter 7 takes place during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a significant Jewish festival where crowds would gather. Jesus travels to Jerusalem, initially in secret, but then publicly teaches in the Temple courts. His presence stirs much debate and division among the people regarding His identity—some believe Him to be the Messiah, others deny it, questioning His authority and origin since He had not studied in their rabbinical schools. The religious leaders are openly hostile, seeking to arrest Him. In this setting, John 7:18 is part of Jesus' response to those questioning His teaching authority (v. 15), where He clarifies that His teaching is not His own but from God (v. 16), and challenges their motives, asserting that those who genuinely desire to do God's will can discern His doctrine (v. 17). The verse directly follows this assertion, providing a core principle for discerning authentic divine communication: the motive behind the message reveals its source and the character of the messenger.

John 7 18 Word analysis

• He that speaketh of himself: (Greek: ho lalōn aph' heautou, ὁ λαλῶν ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ). This phrase literally means "the one speaking from himself" or "from his own accord/source." It highlights that the origin of the message or teaching is the speaker's personal reasoning, ambition, or initiative, rather than a divine commission. The emphasis is on autonomy, self-reliance, and independence from a higher authority in the realm of prophetic or authoritative declaration.
• seeketh his own glory: (Greek: tēn doxan tēn idian zētei, τὴν δόξαν τὴν ἰδίαν ζητεῖ). The Greek word doxa (δόξα) here means "glory," "honor," or "reputation." Idian (ἰδίαν) emphasizes "his own," meaning something belonging distinctively to the individual. To "seek" (zētei, ζητεῖ) means to pursue, desire, or strive for. This phrase reveals the fundamental motive behind speaking from oneself: self-exaltation. Such a person is ultimately driven by a desire for personal recognition, applause, power, or fame, rather than truth or God's honor.
• but he that seeketh his glory that sent him: (Greek: ho de zētōn tēn doxan tou pempsantos auton, ὁ δὲ ζητῶν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ πέμψαντος αὐτόν). This contrasts directly with the former. The "Sender" (τοῦ πέμψαντος, tou pempsantos) explicitly refers to God the Father, who commissioned Jesus. "Seeking his glory" means that the true messenger's paramount goal, intention, and aspiration is to honor, exalt, and reveal the one who dispatched them. This indicates complete devotion, dependence, and submission to the will and purpose of the Sender.
• the same is true: (Greek: houtos alēthēs estin, οὗτος ἀληθής ἐστιν). Alēthēs (ἀληθής) signifies "true," "genuine," "authentic," or "real." This is not merely about saying factual statements, but about the very essence and character of the person and their message. A messenger focused on the Sender's glory is inherently reliable and reflective of God's character and truth. Their words align with reality, particularly divine reality.
• and no unrighteousness is in him: (Greek: kai adikia en autō ouk estin, καὶ ἀδικία ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν). Adikia (ἀδικία) means "unrighteousness," "injustice," or "wickedness," embodying all that is contrary to divine standards. The strong negation "no... is in him" emphatically declares a complete absence of such negative attributes. This refers to moral integrity, blamelessness, and a character aligned with God's perfect justice and holiness. Such a messenger has no deceptive agenda or moral failing that would distort the message or compromise their integrity. This perfectly describes Jesus Himself.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory": This phrase links the source of the message (self) directly to the motive (self-glory). It exposes the inherent self-centeredness of those who claim authority or speak without divine mandate. Their teachings ultimately serve their personal ambition, not divine truth.
  • "but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true": This establishes a direct correlation between seeking God's glory and possessing truthfulness. A focus on God's glory validates the authenticity of the messenger and the veracity of their message. It suggests divine authorization.
  • "the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him": This final clause clarifies the full nature of a divinely sent messenger. Their truthfulness is inseparable from their moral purity and alignment with God's righteous character. Deceit or sin would undermine their ability to genuinely reflect God's glory. It speaks to Christ's sinlessness and impeccable integrity, confirming His unique standing as the perfect messenger.

John 7 18 Bonus section

This verse highlights the deep contrast between human nature's inclination towards self-glorification and the divine nature's focus on glorifying the Father. It sets Jesus apart not only by His claims but by the inherent moral proof of His mission. The ability to seek "the glory of the one who sent him" rather than one's "own glory" is a core aspect of Jesus' unique purity and perfect submission. The term "true" (alēthēs) implies the very veracity and reality of Christ's being and claims; His words are reliable because He is Himself the embodiment of truth and without sin. This verse also provides a boundary or limitation for discerning spirits: if the proclaimed source of authority is external to God or if the motivation is internal human ambition, then it deviates from divine truth. It's a key hermeneutical principle for judging teaching—look not just at the words, but at the motive of the heart that drives the words. This implies a spiritual discernment beyond mere intellectual assessment.

John 7 18 Commentary

John 7:18 presents a foundational principle by which one can discern the authenticity of a speaker claiming divine authority, specifically demonstrating the profound distinction between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day. The verse unveils the driving motive as the key criterion for assessing genuineness.

One who "speaks of himself" implies originating doctrines, insights, or prophecies from their own human reasoning, aspirations, or desire for recognition. Such a person inevitably "seeks his own glory" – their ultimate aim is personal acclaim, power, or financial gain. Their message, however outwardly pious, is corrupted by self-serving motives, and they operate outside divine authorization. Their testimony is inherently untrustworthy.

In stark contrast, Jesus asserts the opposite: the true messenger is one whose paramount aim is to "seek his glory that sent him." This perfectly describes Jesus' relationship with the Father. Every word He spoke, every deed He performed, was perfectly aligned with God's will and aimed to glorify the Father (Jn 17:4). This singular, selfless devotion to the Sender's glory is the hallmark of divine truth and character. Such a person "is true" – meaning not just factually accurate, but intrinsically genuine, authentic, and reflective of God's reality. Furthermore, "no unrighteousness is in him," signifying complete moral integrity, an absence of sin, deceit, or self-interest that would compromise their message or mission. This refers to Christ's blameless life and perfect alignment with divine righteousness.

The verse, therefore, is not merely a statement about Jesus but offers a timeless test for all who claim to speak for God. Is their motive self-exaltation or the glory of God? This applies to modern-day teachers and ministries. We should evaluate them by their consistent aiming to direct glory to God, rather than themselves.

Examples:

• A preacher who focuses more on increasing their personal following or wealth than on teaching Christ and bringing glory to God demonstrates self-seeking.
• A ministry whose primary public face is its charismatic leader rather than the Giver of all good gifts may fall under this critique.
• A Christian worker who performs acts of service, not for personal recognition, but out of obedience and to reflect God's goodness, exemplifies seeking His glory.