Devine Scripture

John 8:45

What does John 8:45 mean?

A plain-English look at John 8:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 8:45 means

Jesus states the paradox: because He speaks the truth, they do not believe Him. Their hearts, shaped by falsehood, recoil from light. Truth does not fail; it reveals. Their unbelief is not due to lack of evidence but to enmity toward truth. This exposes the moral dimension of faith—believing is not merely assenting to facts but loving truth. Jesus’ words are pure; their rejection shows allegiance elsewhere. The sad irony is that the very quality that should win their faith—truthfulness—provokes their unbelief, because darkness hates the light.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But because I say what is true, you have no belief in me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And because I say the truth, ye do not believe me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if I say the truth, you believe me not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and because I speak the truth, ye do not believe me.

Context

This observation follows the characterization of the devil as liar and murderer. It explains why Jesus’ truthful speech meets hostility. The next verse will escalate by inviting them to convict Him of sin and questioning why they do not believe if He speaks truth. The movement challenges the listeners to examine their basis for unbelief: is there any fault in Him? The stage is set for Jesus to state that those who belong to God hear God’s words—implying again that their deafness proves they are not of God.

v.44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.

v.45This passage

v.46Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

  • John 18:37

    Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

  • John 7:7

    The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that its works are evil.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

  • John 3:19

    And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.

  • Galatians 4:16

    So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?

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