John 8:37
What does John 8:37 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:37 means
Jesus acknowledges their physical descent from Abraham but exposes their murderous intent, tied to their refusal of His word. Ancestry cannot override hostility to God’s revelation. The issue is not bloodline but heart posture toward truth. His word finds “no free course” in them—it does not enter, take root, or run swiftly. Their desire to kill the truth-teller unmasks their spiritual state. External claims crumble under internal reality. True kinship to Abraham is measured by faith and obedience, not genealogy alone. Rejecting the One who speaks God’s truth betrays a lineage foreign to Abraham’s trust.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am conscious that you are Abraham's seed; but you have a desire to put me to death because my word has no place in you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I have known that ye are seed of Abraham, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I know that you are the children of Abraham: but you seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word has no entrance in you.
Context
Following the promise of freedom through the Son, Jesus begins to dissect the gap between their claims and their conduct. This verse transitions from affirmation of their heritage to exposure of their hearts, preparing for the sharper statement that they are doing the deeds of their real father. The conversation is moving from categories (slave/son) to identity (whose children they are). The next verses will press that true children of Abraham do Abraham’s works, highlighting the inconsistency of rejecting Jesus while boasting in Abraham.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 13:19
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
- John 7:19
Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you doeth the law? Why seek ye to kill me?
- John 8:6
And this they said, trying him, that they might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
- John 11:53
So from that day forth they took counsel that they might put him to death.
- John 8:59
They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
- Matthew 13:15
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
Topic
Bible Verses About Lying
Discover what the Bible says about the deceitful practice of lying and its impact on our lives and relationships.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.