John 8:30
What does John 8:30 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:30 means
As Jesus speaks about His unity with the Father and the revelation to come at the cross, many believe in Him. His words carry life and authority; truth draws hearts. This belief may be initial and imperfect, but it marks a response to His self-revelation. Not all oppose Him; some in the crowd recognize the ring of truth. The seed of faith is planted. Yet Jesus will immediately press this faith into deeper reality, teaching that genuine discipleship is marked by abiding in His word and experiencing the liberating power of truth. Belief is the door; abiding is the way.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As he spake these things, many believed on him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As he spake these words, many believed on him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As he spake these things, many believed on him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When he said this a number came to have faith in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862As he is speaking these things, many believed in him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When he spoke these things, many believed in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890As he spoke these things many believed on him.
Context
This transitional verse notes a positive response amid controversy. It prepares for Jesus to address “those Jews that had believed him” with teaching about abiding, truth, and freedom. The next verses will show that some who profess belief still resist His diagnosis of their bondage to sin and false security in lineage. The narrative thus explores the difference between superficial assent and true discipleship. This helps the reader see that believing in Jesus is not the end but the beginning of a transformative relationship grounded in His word.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:42
And many believed on him there.
- John 2:23
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did.
- John 6:14
When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
- John 7:31
But of the multitude many believed on him; and they said, When the Christ shall come, will he do more signs than those which this man hath done?
- John 11:45
Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him.
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