30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.(A)

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching,(B) you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”(C)

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants(D) and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.(E) 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.(F) 36 So if the Son sets you free,(G) you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me,(H) because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence,(I) and you are doing what you have heard from your father.[a](J)

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Footnotes

  1. John 8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

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