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John 2:25

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 2:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
John 2:25 — American Standard Version

Context — John 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he spake this; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.
24But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,
25and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And needed not that any should testify of man, etc.] Of this or the other man, that he was a good or a bad man; he needed no proofs to be made, or testimonies bore, or evidence given of men’s characters and actions; he was of quick understanding, and could distinguish at once between a wicked man and a good man; and so had the characteristic which the Jews require of the Messiah; for they rejected Bar Cozba from being the Messiah, and slew him, because he could not smell, referring to (<231103>Isaiah 11:3), or discern a bad man from a good man f107; but this Jesus could do, without any external evidence: for he knew what was in man; which none but the spirit of a man can know; his inward…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“knew what was in man--It is impossible for language more clearly to assert of Christ what in Jer 17:9-10, and elsewhere, is denied of all mere creatures. Next: John Chapter 3”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Should testify of man - Should give him the character of any man. He knew what was in man - This he did because he had made all John 1:3, and because he was God, John 1:1. There can be no higher evidence than this that he was omniscient, and was therefore divine. To search the heart is the prerogative of God alone Jeremiah 17:10; and as Jesus knew what was in “these disciples,” and as it is expressly said that he knew what was in man - that is, in “all people” - so it follows that he must be equal with God. As he knows “all,” he is acquainted with the false pretentions and professions of hypocrites. None can deceive him. He also knows the wants and desires of all his real friends. He hears…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He - To whom all things are naked, knew what was in man - Namely, a desperately deceitful heart. Next: John Chapter 3”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification