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 8:47 mean?

Explanation

John 8:47 expresses the idea that a profound spiritual relationship exists between God and those who follow Him, and this relationship is exemplified by the ability to understand and accept God's words.

The verse suggests that divine communication and spiritual truth are perceived by those who belong to God.

Conversely, it implies that those who do not listen to or accept God's words demonstrate a lack of this spiritual kinship with God.

Here, Jesus is drawing a clear distinction between those who recognize and align themselves with God's truth and those who do not, associating the rejection of His message with the spiritual state of the listener.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse that takes place in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience, including some of the Pharisees.

The conversation is marked by escalating tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who question His authority and identity.

The audience is divided on their perception of Jesus , some believe He is the Messiah, while others accuse Him of being possessed or a deceiver.

The discussion revolves around spiritual blindness and the failure of the religious leaders to understand Jesus' true nature and mission.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, John 8:47 emphasizes the doctrine of revelation , the belief that truth about God is revealed to those who are in a right relationship with Him. From this viewpoint, hearing God's words is seen as both a sign and a result of divine election.

More conservatively, this verse has been understood to signify the elect's predestined ability to hear and respond to God's truth, distinguishing them from those not chosen.

In contrast, more liberal theological interpretations might focus on this verse as an encouragement for self-examination of one's relationship with God and openness to divine truth.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, John 8:47 can prompt individuals to reflect on their own receptiveness to spiritual teachings and to consider how their relationship with God might be affecting their understanding of His word.

The verse challenges believers to deepen their spiritual listening skills, engage with Scripture, and cultivate a heart that is in tune with God's voice.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder to believers to show patience and compassion towards those who do not understand or accept spiritual truths, recognizing that spiritual discernment is a gift from God.

Cross-References

John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"
1 Corinthians 2:14: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
John 18:37: "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king.

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.

Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek of John 8:47 is "ἀκούει τῶν λόγων τοῦ Θεοῦ" (akouei tōn logōn tou Theou), which translates to "heareth God's words." This phrase emphasizes two key concepts:

"ἀκούει" (akouei): This is the present active indicative form of the verb "to hear," highlighting the ongoing ability to hear or listen attentively.
"λόγων τοῦ Θεοῦ" (logōn tou Theou): This phrase combines the word "λόγων" (logōn), meaning "words," with "τοῦ Θεοῦ" (tou Theou), meaning "of God." It underscores the origin of the words being spoken as divine rather than human.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Many ancient religions and myths speak of chosen individuals or prophets who possess the ability to understand the divine.

For instance, in Hellenistic traditions, oracles were believed to communicate the will of the gods.

In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), prophets were called by God to hear His word and speak to the people.

John 8:47 reaffirms the Judeo-Christian belief that divine understanding is accessible to those who align themselves with God.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse discusses spiritual truths, modern scientific understandings of psychology and neurology explore how beliefs and cultural influences shape the way people interpret language and experiences.

While science does not directly address spiritual revelation, it acknowledges that one's predispositions and social context can significantly impact how one receives and processes information.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied exegetical perspectives on John 8:47.

Some, like Matthew Henry, focus on the spiritual distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil, with the ability to hear God’s word being a demarcation.

William Barclay emphasizes the idea that being able to hear God's word is not an intellectual but a moral issue , it is about obedience and the will to do God's desires.

Many modern commentators discuss the exclusive nature of Jesus' words and the challenge they present to readers who must question whether they truly hear and understand God's words.

John 8

John 8

What does John 8:47 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 8:47 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?