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 8:44 mean?

Explanation

John 8:44 speaks metaphorically about the spiritual paternity and the ethical consequences of aligning oneself with the ways of the devil as opposed to God.

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who were disputing His claims and questioning His authority. Jesus responds by attributing their inability to understand and accept the truth to their spiritual lineage, which He traces to the devil.

This verse is not discussing physical descent, but the moral and spiritual alignment of the Pharisees with the values symbolized by the devil – lies, deceit, and murder.

The phrase "Ye are of your father the devil" implies that the behavioral attributes of the Pharisees are reflective of the devil's character.

The reference to the devil as a "murderer from the beginning" could relate to the traditional Christian understanding that the devil had a role in bringing death into the world through the deception of Adam and Eve, as conveyed in the book of Genesis.

Furthermore, it paints the devil as intrinsically mendacious ("there is no truth in him") and attributes the origin of lying to him ("the father of it").

The verse encapsulates a radical critique of those religious leaders who, rather than seeking truth and fostering life as leaders of the Jewish community, were instead acting in opposition to Jesus, who in John's Gospel represents the ultimate revelation of truth and life.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a context where the early Christian community was defining its identity in relation to Judaism.

The conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees must be considered against this backdrop.

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and often feature in the Gospels as opposition figures challenging Jesus.

The community for whom John's Gospel was written would have been familiar with the tensions between these groups.

In the late first century when John's Gospel was likely composed, the distinctions between Judaism and the burgeoning Christian movement were becoming increasingly pronounced.

Accusations of spiritual falsehood and ethical compromise are common in intergroup religious conflicts, with both groups affirming their own identities in stark contrast to the other.

Theological Insights

Different theological standpoints may offer unique interpretations of this verse:

Traditional Christian View: This view sees the verse as a clear division between those who follow Jesus and those who follow the devil’s ways.

It reinforces the belief that the devil is the personification of evil, influencing humans to sin.

Modern Christian Perspective: Contemporary readers may focus more on the universal spiritual message, the nature of lies and truth, and the personal application for individuals to examine their lives for alignment with spiritual truth rather than the deceit which disconnects from God.
Critical Scholarship: Some critical scholars may question the historicity of the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees, suggesting that the language reflects the Johannine community's conflict with the synagogue authorities rather than a literal conversation that took place.

Practical Applications

In daily life, John 8:44 can prompt individuals to reflect on their ethical and moral stance. The central application might be the call for integrity, honesty, and truthfulness in one's actions and speech.

Furthermore, it may encourage a self-examination of one's spiritual influences – are one's actions reflective of the values advocated by Jesus, or do they align with the destructive, divisive, and untrue?

Cross-References

Genesis 3:4-5: Where the serpent, traditionally associated with the devil, deceits Adam and Eve.
1 John 3:8: "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning."
2 Corinthians 11:14-15: Talks about Satan masquerading as an angel of light and his servants as servants of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:11-12: Instructs believers to put on the armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, significant words include:

"Diabolos" (devil): Accuser or slanderer; the word provides the connotation of one who falsely accuses or misleads.
"Epithymia" (lusts): Desires or longing, often with the implication of illegitimate or improper desires.
"Anthropoktonos" (murderer): Meaning literally a killer of humans; used metaphorically for one causing spiritual or moral death.
"Aletheia" (truth): Denotes not only factual accuracy but also reliability, dependability, and integrity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, including the Jewish tradition, there are figures that embody deception, such as the trickster.

In the context of this verse, the devil character serves a similar role as the embodiment of untruth and moral corruption, a thematic function seen in different mythological systems.

Comparisons might also be drawn between the devil figure in Christianity and adversarial entities in other religions, such as Maya (illusion) in Hinduism, which distracts humans from spiritual truths.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse primarily engages with theological and metaphysical concepts, scientific perspectives can be relevant in understanding the psychological underpinnings of deceit and moral actions.

Modern psychology examines the human propensity to lie and its effects on relationships and society, resonating with the verse's implication that deception is antithetical to a healthy community.

Commentaries

Expert interpretations of John 8:44 vary in emphasis:

Historical-Critical Commentators: May argue that the dialogue reflects Johannine community issues and serves as a polemic against the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus and the nascent Christian community.
Theological Commentators: May focus on the dualistic aspect of the text, highlighting the verse’s stark contrast between the truth of Jesus and the lies of the devil, reinforcing the dominion of good over evil.
Pastoral Commentators: Often apply the verse to contemporary Christian practice by equating the "lusts of your father" with modern societal vices, encouraging adherence to Christian virtues instead.

John 8

John 8

What does John 8:44 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 8:44 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?