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 8:49 mean?

Explanation

John 8:49 is part of a heated exchange between Jesus and some Jews who were questioning His claims and authority. In the dialogue, Jesus has just claimed a unique relationship with God, prompting His challengers to insinuate that He is possessed by a demon.

This verse is Jesus' direct response to that accusation.

When Jesus says "I have not a devil," He is refuting the claim that His teaching and conduct are influenced by demonic possession, which was a serious accusation that could undermine His ministry.

He contrasts their accusation with His true purpose, which is to honor His Father , God.

By saying "but I honour my Father," Jesus emphasizes His divinity and submission to God, drawing a clear distinction between Himself and the malicious intent suggested by His accusers.

The latter part of the verse, "and ye do dishonour me," is Jesus pointing out the disrespect and disbelief that He is encountering from those who should recognise and honour Him. By dishonouring Him, they are effectively dishonouring the Father, as Jesus represents the Father's will and character.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 8:49 is situated within John's broader narrative which depicts the growing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities.

The Gospel was written in a period when early Christians were establishing their identity in separation from mainstream Judaism.

The conversation takes place during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival.

The concept of someone being possessed by a demon or an evil spirit was a common explanation for erratic or unusual behavior in the ancient world. Accusations of demon-possession were also a way to discredit individuals and their teachings without engaging with the substance of their claims.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on several profound concepts:

The Person of Christ: The verse underscores Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, who reflects the Father and honors Him, unlike the other religious figures who dishonor Him by not recognizing His Son.
Sin and Blasphemy: By accusing Jesus, who is without sin, of being demon-possessed, his opponents are dangerously close to what later Christian theology would term the "unpardonable sin" of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Christ's Mission: The verse cuts to the heart of Jesus’ mission, which is not just to teach or perform miracles, but primarily to honor and reveal the Father to humanity.

Practical Applications

This verse challenges individuals to consider how they recognize and honor God in their lives. It invites self-reflection on the ways in which one may consciously or unconsciously dishonor God through their actions or disbelief.

Additionally, it serves as a caution against making unfounded accusations against others, as well as an encouragement to maintain integrity in the face of false allegations.

Cross-References

John 8:48 - "Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"
John 5:23 - "That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.

He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."

Matthew 12:31-32 - "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."
John 10:20 - "And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?"

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms include:

διάβολον (diabolon): Translated as "a devil," it literally means "accuser" or "slanderer." It is where the English word "devil" comes from.
τιμάω (timao): Translated as "I honour," implying showing esteem or value.
ατιμάζετε (atimazete): Translated as "ye do dishonour," from the negative prefix "a-" and "timao," indicating an action that devalues or disrespects.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman mythology, accusations of divine or supernatural influence, both positive and negative, were common.

The way Jesus is accused of having a "devil" is somewhat analogous to the way Socrates was accused of being influenced by a "daemon" in that both are seen as unjust accusations against a virtuous person's character.

In other religious traditions, prophets and spiritual leaders often face opposition and accusations from their contemporaries, and this verse echoes a fairly universal theme of the tension between spiritual authority and societal norms.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science understands phenomena such as mental illness in terms of medical and psychological causes, the accusation of demon-possession in Jesus' time reflects a pre-scientific worldview.

Today's scientific perspectives would consider the accusations against Jesus as a misinterpretation of his actions and teachings, lacking any empirical basis.

Commentaries

Commentators typically regard this verse as a defense of Christ's identity and mission.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary notes how Jesus remains respectful to God even when wrongfully accused.

He also points out that Jesus did not retaliate with insults but with truth.

Another perspective from the MacArthur Study Bible emphasizes the perfect obedience of Jesus to the Father and how the dishonor from the people reflects their own hostility toward God.

It is often observed by scholars how this confrontation foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by those He came to save.

John 8

John 8

What does John 8:49 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 8:49 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?