The woman and her accusers
John 8:1–11FocusJudgment and a call to leave sin
Connection to the wholeJesus exposes the accusers' position and addresses the woman with mercy joined to a command to sin no more.
interpretation John 8:44
KJVYe 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.
Read it in context
Freedom and true sonship
Start reading at John 8:31 (John 8:31 to John 8:47).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus connects discipleship with continuing in His word, confronting claims of ancestry that conflict with the hearers' conduct and response.
- 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
- 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
- 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
- 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
- 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
- 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
- 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
- 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
- 8:39 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.
- 8:40 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.
- 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
- 8:42 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.
- 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
- 8:44 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.
- 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
- 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
- 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 8:1–8:59): In the KJV account, scribes and Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus. His subsequent temple teaching involves Pharisees and other Jewish hearers who dispute His words. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Freedom and true sonship. Read John 8:31 through John 8:47 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus connects discipleship with continuing in His word, confronting claims of ancestry that conflict with the hearers' conduct and response. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Freedom and true sonship (John 8:31 to John 8:47). Start reading at John 8:31. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 8:31, John 8:47, John 1:14, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- are John 8:38,41 John 6:70 Gen 3:15 Matt 13:38 Acts 13:10 1 John 3:8-10,12
- He was Gen 3:3-7 1 Kgs 22:22 1 Chr 21:1 Jas 4:1-7 1 Pet 5:8 Rev 2:10 Rev 9:11 Rev 13:6-8
- and abode 2 Pet 2:4 Jude 1:6
- When Gen 3:4-5 2 Chr 18:20-22 Job 1:11 Job 2:4-6 Acts 5:3 Acts 13:10 2 Cor 11:3 2 Cor 11:13-15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 8
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. This outline follows the KJV chapter, beginning with the woman brought before Jesus.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The light of the world
John 8:12–30FocusWitness and identity
Connection to the wholeDisputes about Jesus' testimony and destination deepen the question of His identity and the need to believe Him.
interpretation FocusContinuing in Jesus' word
Connection to the wholeJesus connects discipleship with continuing in His word, confronting claims of ancestry that conflict with the hearers' conduct and response.
interpretation Before Abraham
John 8:48–59FocusJesus' identity and rejection
Connection to the wholeThe argument reaches its climax in Jesus' statement concerning Abraham and Himself, followed by an attempt to stone Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.