John 8:39
What does John 8:39 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:39 means
When they insist that Abraham is their father, Jesus replies that true children of Abraham do Abraham’s works. Abraham believed God and welcomed His word. To reject the truth and plot murder is the opposite of Abraham’s pattern. Physical descent does not guarantee spiritual likeness. Jesus calls them to measure their claim by their conduct. This is not a denial of their genealogy but a challenge to its spiritual significance. Being Abraham’s offspring should produce faith and obedience, especially toward the One who brings God’s truth. Their behavior exposes a disconnect that cannot be masked by lineage pride.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They answered and said to him, `Our father is Abraham;' Jesus saith to them, `If children of Abraham ye were, the works of Abraham ye were doing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They answered and said to him: Abraham is our father. Jesus saith them: If you be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus says to them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham;
Context
This exchange continues the debate about spiritual parentage. Their insistence on Abraham as father invites Jesus to apply the test of works. The next verse will intensify the contrast by pointing out their attempt to kill the truth-teller—a thing Abraham did not do. The movement is from general principle to specific accusation. This line of argument will culminate in their claim to have God as Father and Jesus’ reply that love for Him is the mark of true divine sonship. The tension mounts as identity claims are weighed by deeds.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 4:16
For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
- John 8:37
I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.
- Matthew 5:45
that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.
- Matthew 3:9
and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
- Romans 9:7
neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
- Galatians 3:7
Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
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