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Verse

John 2:25

ESV and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
NIV He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
NASB and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind.
CSB and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.
NLT No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
KJV And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
NKJV and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

What does John 2:25 mean?

Jesus didn't need anyone to educate Him about human nature nor other people's thoughts. He knew exactly what each person needed to know and what they needed to hear. This is why He didn't trust everyone claiming to follow Him in Jerusalem (John 2:24). That withheld "trust" meant not revealing more of His divinity and power (Matthew 13:10–11; Mark 4:10–12). He knew many of them were just following to see more miracles. Jesus will prove His ability to reach people right where they need it over and over.

With the woman at the well, an outcast among outcasts, He will use acceptance (John 4:23–24). With someone like Nathanael, He used dry humor (John 1:47). With Nicodemus, a legalistic and educated man, He will use deep thinking (John 3:10). The comment that Jesus knew "what was in man" is the bridge connecting the cleansing of the temple to the conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3. Immediately after saying that Jesus knows all about man, and what was in man, John 3:1 says that "a man of the Pharisees" came to see Jesus. Part of that conversation will be Jesus proving that Nicodemus isn't as spiritually wise as he thinks he is.
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