John 8:56
What does John 8:56 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:56 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:56 means
Jesus says, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.” Abraham, the great patriarch, anticipated and welcomed the Messianic fulfillment centered in Jesus. Whether through promise and type, Abraham perceived the coming salvation and exulted. This links Jesus’ mission to the ancient faith of Israel—true Abrahamic faith delights in Christ. The statement rebukes His opponents: the very one they esteem rejoiced in what they reject. Jesus places Himself as the fulfillment of patriarchal hope, drawing a line from covenant promise to present reality in His person.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Your father Abraham was full of joy at the hope of seeing my day: he saw it and was glad.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Abraham, your father, was glad that he might see my day; and he saw, and did rejoice.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Abraham your father rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it and was glad.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Your father Abraham exulted in that he should see my day, and he saw and rejoiced.
Context
This claim follows Jesus’ assertion of knowing and obeying the Father. It addresses directly the earlier question of whether Jesus is greater than Abraham by showing Abraham’s joy in Jesus’ day. The opponents will respond with a literal objection about Jesus’ age. The next verse records their incredulity, setting up Jesus’ climactic declaration of pre-existence—“Before Abraham was born, I am.” The flow moves from patriarchal anticipation to present fulfillment to eternal identity, closing the argument decisively.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
- Luke 2:28
then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
- 1 Peter 1:10
Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
- Genesis 22:18
and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
- John 8:39
They 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.
- Galatians 3:7
Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
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