John 8:39-44
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus and Abraham
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, you would do[a] what Abraham did,(A) 40 but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one Father, God himself.”(B) 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God, and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.(C) 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. 44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.(D)
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- 8.39 Other ancient authorities read you were . . . you would do or you are . . . then do
John 8:39-44
New International Version
39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered.
“If you were Abraham’s children,”(A) said Jesus, “then you would[a] do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me,(B) a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.(C) Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.”(D)
“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”(E)
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,(F) for I have come here from God.(G) I have not come on my own;(H) God sent me.(I) 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil,(J) and you want to carry out your father’s desires.(K) He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.(L)
Footnotes
- John 8:39 Some early manuscripts “If you are Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then
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