John 8

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

As he spake these words, many believed on him.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

What does John 8:24 mean?

Explanation

In John 8:24, Jesus speaks to a group of Jews who have been questioning him about his identity and his testimony. Jesus asserts the necessity of belief in his identity as He who has been sent by God.

The phrase "if ye believe not that I am he" is significant because in the original Greek text, "he" is not present; it's just "I am" (ἐγώ εἰμι), which could be a direct reference to the name of God provided in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14 - "I AM WHO I AM").

Jesus is emphasizing the dire consequences of unbelief, indicating that rejecting his identity and mission results in remaining in sin, which leads to death.

This death refers not just to physical demise but to an eternal separation from God.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 8:24 is a part of the larger narrative in the Gospel of John, which is set in the context of Jesus's ministry in Judea, around the time of various Jewish festivals.

During this period, Jesus is in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple and engaging in dialogue with the Jewish leaders and the larger populace.

The verse comes after the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a time when Jerusalem was filled with Jewish pilgrims.

The Book of John was written at a time when there was tension between the Jewish community and the followers of Jesus, and the text often reflects these conflicts and differences in belief.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often seen as evidence of Jesus's divinity and his oneness with God the Father.

The "I am" statement is one of several in the Gospel of John that have been interpreted as Jesus using divine language to refer to himself.

This passage is critical for the Christian doctrine of salvation, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Different denominations and theologians have built upon this verse to discuss the nature of sin, faith, and the consequences of rejecting Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be seen as an invitation to self-reflection and an assessment of one's beliefs.

It encourages individuals to consider the implications of their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ.

For believers, it is a call to evangelize and share their beliefs with others, stressing the significance of faith for salvation.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with the teachings of Jesus, as belief and faith are expected to manifest in actions and character.

Cross-References

Exodus 3:14: "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Isaiah 43:10-11: "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."

John 3:18: "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of this verse is "ἐγώ εἰμι" (egō eimi), literally "I am". These words were significant in Jewish understanding as they related to the divine name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

"Ap' autou" in this context means "in your sins", which indicates the state or condition from which Jesus claims he has the authority to save.

The word choice here reinforces Jesus's claim to divine authority and his role as Savior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing to other ancient myths, divine figures often had roles as saviors or deliverers.

However, Jesus's claim here is unique in that he's not just a god among many but is equated with the one eternal God of Israel.

Additionally, religious interpretations from Islam, for example, would not recognize Jesus's divinity or his "I am" statement as claiming equality with God, seeing him rather as a prophet.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the claim "if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins," does not intersect directly with empirical methodologies or discoveries. Science does not address theological claims of salvation or the divine nature of Jesus.

However, understanding how belief systems impact human behavior and psychology is within the realm of social science and can have significant implications for community and individual health.

Commentaries

Various bible scholars and theologians have discussed this verse.

Many agree that Jesus is pointing to his divinity and the necessity of believing him to obtain eternal life.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes Jesus's patience in dealing with disbelief and his clear assertion of being the Messiah.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the linkage between unbelief and the grave consequence of dying in one's sins.

However, there is some debate among scholars as to whether Jesus is directly claiming divine status or simply stating his messianic role. Nonetheless, the prevailing Christian interpretation sees this as a clear declaration of Jesus's divine identity.

John 8

John 8

What does John 8:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 8:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?