John 8:46
What does John 8:46 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:46 means
Jesus challenges them: who can convict Him of sin? If He speaks truth, why do they not believe? His sinlessness undergirds His authority. No moral flaw weakens His testimony; no deceit taints His words. The challenge invites honest examination: their rejection lacks grounds. Unbelief persists not because Jesus fails but because their hearts resist. The sinless One stands before them, exposing their error and inviting repentance. If He is true and pure, then refusal to believe is culpable. The burden of proof rests on His accusers, and they have none.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which of you is able truly to say that I am a sinner? If I say what is true, why have you no belief in me?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who of you doth convict me of sin? and if I speak truth, wherefore do ye not believe me?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe me:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Which of you convinces me of sin? If I speak truth, why do ye not believe me?
Context
This verse follows the claim that their unbelief arises because He speaks truth. Jesus now presses them for evidence of any sin or falsehood. The next verse will draw the conclusion: those who are of God hear God’s words; their failure to hear proves they are not of God. The argument is tightening: Jesus’ moral perfection and truthful speech confront the audience with a choice—acknowledge Him and belong to God, or persist in deafness and reveal alienation from God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
- Hebrews 7:26
For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
- John 14:30
I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me;
- John 8:7
But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
- John 16:8
And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
- John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
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