John 8:30-40

30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.

38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[a] ”

39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would ^[b] do what Abraham did.

40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.

Cross References

• 1. S John 7:31
• 2. John 15:7; 2 John 9
• 3. ver 36; Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1,13; James 2:12
• 4. ver 37,39; Matthew 3:9; S Luke 3:8
• 5. S Romans 6:16; 2 Peter 2:19
• 6. Galatians 4:30
• 7. ver 32
• 8. ver 39,40
• 9. John 5:19,30; John 14:10,24
• 10. ver 41,44
• 11. ver 37; S Luke 3:8; Romans 9:7; Galatians 3:7
• 12. S Matthew 12:14
• 13. ver 26

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father."
• [b]. Some early manuscripts "“If you are Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then"