John 8:32

 - Popular Bible Verse Series

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

A few years ago, I discovered John 8:32 inscribed on the main library building at the University of Texas at Austin. Founded in 1883 as a public research university, UT built this library in 1935. Among several inscriptions, the university chose John 8:32 to adorn the building facing the main gate.

Why John 8:32? Dr. William Battle, the dean at the time, was instrumental in selecting this verse. He explained: “Truth and freedom are so essential to education, character, and progress that the call to seek truth as a means to freedom is a splendid challenge to youth. Its form is perfect, its source is no drawback, and it carries nearly two thousand years of acceptance.”

I don’t know Dr. Battle’s personal faith, but his interpretation of John 8:32 seems rooted in cultural and educational values rather than a direct exegesis of the verse. The key to John 8:32 lies in defining “truth” and understanding how it brings freedom.

Other institutions, like Harvard University, also emphasize truth. Harvard’s shield bears the Latin motto Veritas (Truth). Originally a missionary training ground, Harvard has evolved into a leading secular university. When pastor John Harvard founded the college, he likely had biblical truth in mind, though its pursuit of truth has since shifted.
What Is Truth?
For millennia, truth has been defined variously: Correspondence Theory, Coherence Theory, and Consensus Theory in philosophy, and theological truths in religion. But what did Jesus mean by “truth”?

In John 18:38, Roman governor Pontius Pilate asks Jesus, “What is truth?” After asking, he immediately tells the Jews, “I find no guilt in him.” Pilate’s question seems rhetorical; he neither expects nor seeks Jesus’ answer. John 18:37 provides context: Pilate asks, “So you are a king?” Jesus replies, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born… to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate, a politician rather than a truth-seeker, misses the opportunity to understand. Though he declares Jesus innocent, he walks away without grasping the truth.

In contrast, Jesus’ disciples eagerly sought answers. In John 14:5–6, Thomas asks, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus responds, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Unlike philosophers or other religious founders who point to truth outside themselves, Jesus declares Himself the truth—a history-making claim. (I’ll explore John 14:6 further in a future post, unpacking the relationship between Jesus and truth.)

These verses reveal a pattern:

  • Jesus is the truth (John 14:6).
  • The truth sets you free (John 8:32).
  • To be free, seek the truth.
  • To find the truth, seek Jesus.
  • Knowing Jesus means knowing the truth, which brings freedom.
What Is Freedom?
The freedom in John 8:32 is not earthly liberty but spiritual freedom. Jesus frees us from sin (Romans 6:16) and death (Romans 8:2), offering eternal liberation through Himself, the truth.

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