John 8:34

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?”

Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
KJV
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
WEB
Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
ASV
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin.
DARBY
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Every one that practises sin is the bondman of sin.
BLB
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin.
ÅB
Jesus svarte dem: Sannelig, sannelig sier jeg dere: Hver den som gjør synd, er syndens slave.
OTB
Jesus svarte, “Sannelig, sannelig sier Jeg dere, enhver som synder er en slave av synd.
B1930
Jesus svarte dem: Sannelig, sannelig sier jeg eder: Hver den som gjør synd, er syndens træl.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Romans 6:16

    Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?

    Read in context
  • 2 Peter 2:19

    They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 5:22

    The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him.

    Read in context
  • 1 John 3:8–10

    The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

    Read in context
  • Romans 6:12

    Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.

    Read in context
  • Romans 6:6

    We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

    Read in context
  • Titus 3:3

    For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

    Read in context
  • Romans 6:19–20

    I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.

    Read in context