John 8:55

55 You don't really know him, but I know him. If I said I did not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey what he says.

John 8:55 Meaning and Commentary

John 8:55

Yet ye have not known him
Not as the Father of Christ, nor as in Christ, whom to know is life eternal: they had no spiritual knowledge of him, nor communion with him; nor did they know truly his mind and will, nor how to worship and serve him as they ought:

but I know him;
his nature and perfections, being of the same nature, and having the same perfections with him; and his whole mind and will lying in his bosom: nor did, or does any know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom he is pleased to reveal him:

and if I should say, I know him not, I should be a liar like unto
you.
Our Lord still intimates, that they were of their father the devil, and imitated him not only as a murderer, but as a liar: this is quite contrary to the character they give of themselves, for they say ^F24, that an Israelite will not tell a lie.

But I know him, and keep his saying:
do his will, and always the things that please him, observe his law, preach his Gospel, fulfil all righteousness, and work out the salvation of men, which were the will and work of his Father he came to do.

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 Maimon. in Misn. Pesachim, c. 8. sect. 6.

John 8:55 In-Context

53 Do you think you are greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died, too. Who do you think you are?"

54 Jesus answered, "If I give honor to myself, that honor is worth nothing. The One who gives me honor is my Father, and you say he is your God.

55 You don't really know him, but I know him. If I said I did not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey what he says.

56 Your father Abraham was very happy that he would see my day. He saw that day and was glad."

57 The Jews said to him, "You have never seen Abraham! You are not even fifty years old."