John 8:20
What does John 8:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:20 means
Jesus speaks these words in the temple’s treasury area, a public and prominent place. Yet, despite the boldness of His claims, no one arrests Him. The reason is not human restraint but divine timing—“his hour was not yet come.” God rules over the unfolding of events; Jesus is not a victim of chance. The setting underscores His openness: He teaches in the very heart of Israel’s worship. The restraint of His enemies demonstrates providence, preserving Him until the appointed time when He will lay down His life according to the Father’s plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said these words in the place where the offerings were stored, while he was teaching in the Temple: but no man took him because his time was still to come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862These sayings spake Jesus in the treasury, teaching in the temple, and no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, teaching in the temple: and no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These words spoke he in the treasury, teaching in the temple; and no one took him, for his hour was not yet come.
Context
This note grounds the discussion in place and time, emphasizing Jesus’ public ministry and the sovereign control over His fate. It closes the immediate exchange about witness and knowing the Father. Next, Jesus will warn that He is going away and that some will die in their sin, raising the stakes from debate to destiny. Understanding that no one could seize Him yet helps the reader see that His departure will not be forced by enemies but guided by the Father’s purpose, leading toward the cross at the proper hour.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:39
They sought again to take him: and he went forth out of their hand.
- Matthew 27:6
And the chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.
- John 11:9
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
- John 7:44
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
- John 7:30
They sought therefore to take him: and no man laid his hand on him, because his hour was not yet come.
- Luke 20:19
And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
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