John 8:53
What does John 8:53 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:53 means
They ask if Jesus is greater than their father Abraham and the prophets, all of whom died. “Whom makest thou thyself?” It is a challenge about identity and authority. If Jesus offers what even the greatest never possessed—immunity from death—then He must claim a status above them. Their question, though hostile, touches truth: Jesus is indeed greater. But He will not exalt Himself on their terms. Identity for Him is not self-made; it is bestowed by the Father. Their reverence for Abraham becomes a test of whether they can recognize One far greater standing among them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? and the prophets are dead: who do you say that you are?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died; whom dost thou make thyself?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Art thou greater than our father Abraham who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom dost thou make thyself?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who has died? and the prophets have died: whom makest thou thyself?
Context
This pointed question follows their incredulity at Jesus’ promise about death. It sets the stage for Jesus to speak about glory that comes from the Father, not from self-assertion. The next verses will show Jesus contrasting their ignorance of God with His intimate knowledge, and affirming that Abraham rejoiced to see His day. The narrative is converging on the climactic “Before Abraham was born, I am,” which will answer their question more directly than they expect, provoking an attempt to stone Him.
v.52The Jews said unto him, Now we know that thou hast a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my word, he shall never taste of death.
v.53This passage
v.54Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am.
- John 10:33
The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
- John 12:34
The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
- Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
- John 19:7
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
- Hebrews 3:2
who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
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