John 8:46

46 Who of you shall reprove me of sin? if I say truth, why believe ye not to me?

John 8:46 Meaning and Commentary

John 8:46

Which of you convinceth me of sin?
&c.] Of any immorality in life, or of any imposture, corruption, or deceit in doctrine. There were many of them that were forward enough to charge him with both scandalous sins, and false doctrines; but none of them all could prove anything against him, so as to convict him according to law: they called him a wine bibber, and a glutton; gave out they knew he was a sinner; charged him with blasphemy and sedition; sought to bring proof of it, but failed in their attempt:

and if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
since as no sin in life, so no corruption in doctrine, could be proved against him, what he said must be truth; and therefore it was a most unreasonable thing in them, and showed invincible obstinacy, not to believe him.

John 8:46 In-Context

44 Ye be of the father, the devil, and ye will do the desires of your father. He was a manslayer from the beginning, and he stood not in truth; for truth is not in him. When he speaketh lying [When he speaketh a lying], he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and father of it.
45 But for I say truth, ye believe not to me.
46 Who of you shall reprove me of sin? if I say truth, why believe ye not to me?
47 He that is of God, heareth the words of God; therefore ye hear not, for ye be not of God.
48 Therefore the Jews answered, and said [to him], Whether we say not well, that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.