What Does John 8:15 Mean in the King James?
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
“Flesh” names the narrow vantage point that reduces a person to what can be seen, and Jesus refuses that verdict over anyone.
THE MEANING
The visible body, status, or behavior can be treated as a complete account of you. Jesus describes a way of seeing that refuses to issue a verdict on anyone from that narrowed, flesh-bound vantage.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
A visible condition or social category gives a complete, final verdict on a person.
THE ROOT
σάρξ
sarx
GROWS FROM
σαρκ-
sark-
Flesh; by extension, the human or outward standpoint.
The phrase κατὰ σάρκα (kata sarka) means “according to flesh”: it names the standpoint from which judgment proceeds. The verse reveals how that limited standpoint can mistake the visible part of a person for the whole.
ALSO GROWS
sarkikos: Characterized by or governed by flesh.
σαρκικός
It shows how “flesh” can describe a way of seeing or acting, not only the body itself.
sarkinos: Fleshy, or composed of flesh.
σάρκινος
It keeps the concrete bodily sense beside the broader human standpoint in the verse.
κρίνω
krinō
GROWS FROM
κριν-
krin-
To distinguish, decide, or judge.
The same verb appears in both halves: κρίνετε (krinete, “you judge”) and κρίνω (krinō, “I judge”). The contrast is between human verdicts made according to flesh and Jesus’ statement that he judges no one.
ALSO GROWS
kritēs: One who makes a judgment or decision.
κριτής
It makes visible the person who carries out the act named by the repeated verb.
krisis: A decision, judgment, or process of judging.
κρίσις
It names the judgment that grows from the verb at the center of the verse.
THE PATTERN
Judgment based on outward appearance mistakes a visible part for the whole person.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.THE THREAD
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.John 7:24 repeats the Greek verb κρίνω (krinō, “judge”) and makes explicit the appearance-based judgment implied by “after the flesh.” The shared word connects the two verses: what is visible does not provide a complete measure of a person.
This reading is from Selah Verse.
You can read any verse this way in the app, keep it as a card, and send it on.
A Bible app where you send verses from your keyboard and in Messages, and every verse has a Deep Dive.
Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us