Note 9 at Jn. 8:32: Jesus is speaking of much more than intellectual knowledge here. The word "know" can mean many things from as superficial a level as "to perceive with the senses or the mind" to a much deeper meaning of "a thorough experience with." The word "know" (also "knew" or "known") is used in the Bible many times to describe the most intimate physical relationship of sexual intercourse (Gen. 4:1,17; 19:8; 24:16; Mt. 1:25).

Jesus is stating that when we become thoroughly acquainted with His Word (Jn. 17:17) in an intimate, experiential way, then we will be delivered from all of our bondages, because "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" are given unto us "through the knowledge of him that hath called us" (2 Pet. 1:3). We cannot be free without revelation knowledge (see note 1 at Lk. 2:26, p. 22) of God's Word. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17).