John 8:49
What does John 8:49 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:49 means
Jesus answers with quiet dignity: He does not have a demon; He honors His Father, while they dishonor Him. His life is God-centered, not self-exalting. The accusation collapses under the weight of His evident devotion and truthfulness. He refuses to retaliate in kind. Their dishonor of Him is, in fact, dishonor of the Father who sent Him. The calm reply models integrity under slander. Jesus stands firm in His mission: to glorify the Father by speaking truth and offering life, regardless of human misunderstanding or malice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and ye dishonor me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and ye dishonor me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And this was the answer of Jesus: I have not an evil spirit; but I give honour to my Father and you do not give honour to me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered, `I have not a demon, but I honour my Father, and ye dishonour me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered: I have not a devil: but I honour my Father. And you have dishonoured me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honour my Father, and ye dishonour me.
Context
This measured response counters the previous insults and sets up the next assertion about glory and judgment. Jesus will note that He does not seek His own glory, but Another seeks it and judges. This paves the way for His solemn promise: those who keep His word will never see death. The contrast is sharp—while opponents sling accusations, Jesus speaks promises of life grounded in His union with the Father. The narrative is moving toward declarations that will prompt the final attempt to stone Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:4
But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.
- John 13:31
When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him;
- Proverbs 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
- John 8:29
And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.
- John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- Isaiah 42:21
It pleased Jehovah, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.
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