According to Jewish teaching, the truth was found in their Law, and the study of the Law made a man free. Here the truth referred to is the revelation of God that Jesus brings. The intention once again is to contrast the revelation Jesus brings with the Law of Moses.

In the phrase know the truth, most translators prefer to render the Greek verb know; but Moffatt gives it the meaning, “understand,” and in Jerusalem Bible it is rendered “learn.”

On truth, see Appendix II.

In many languages it is not possible to speak about “knowing the truth.” Since the abstract “truth” must refer to some type of content, it is necessary to say “you will know what is true about God.” Similarly, in the following clause, one may say “and what is true about God will make you free” or “… will cause you to become free.” “Become free” may be understood in the sense of “be released” or “cause you to no longer be in bondage” or “… to be chained.” In some languages it may be expressed “this will cause you no longer to be slaves.” Such a translation fits well with the following verse.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .