John 8:48-59

Jesus and Abraham

48 The Jews responded to Him, "Aren't we right in saying that You're a Samaritan and have a demon?"

49 "I do not have a demon," Jesus answered. "On the contrary, I honor My Father and you dishonor Me.

50 I do not seek My glory; the One who seeks it also judges.

51 I assure you: If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death-ever!"

52 Then the Jews said, "Now we know You have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, 'If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death-ever!'

53 Are You greater than our father Abraham who died? Even the prophets died. Who do You pretend to be?"^[a]

54 "If I glorify Myself," Jesus answered, "My glory is nothing. My Father-you say about Him, 'He is our God'-He is the One who glorifies Me.

55 You've never known Him, but I know Him. If I were to say I don't know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word.

56 Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it and rejoiced."

57 The Jews replied, "You aren't 50 years old yet, and You've seen Abraham?"^[b]

58 Jesus said to them, "I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am." ^[c]

59 At that, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden^[d] and went out of the temple complex.^[e]

Footnotes

• [a] Lit Who do You make Yourself?
• [b] Other mss read and Abraham has seen You?
• [c] I AM is the name God gave Himself at the burning bush; Ex 3:13-14; see note at Jn 8:24.
• [d] Or Jesus hid Himself
• [e] Other mss add and having gone through their midst, He passed by