John 8:23

Jesus the Light of the World · John 8:12–29
Read John 8

Translations

Modern
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
Traditional
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Literal
And He was saying to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
Latin
Et dicebat eis: Vos de deorsum estis, ego de supernis sum. Vos de mundo hoc estis, ego non sum de hoc mundo.

Original

Greek
English
Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

Notes

Jesus told his listeners that they were from below, while he was from above (3:31; see study note on 3:3).

From below refers to human life limited to this world. From above refers to heaven and to God’s realm.

Because they were thinking only in earthly terms, they could not understand what Jesus meant. His origin and authority came from God.

The debate about whether Jesus is the Messiah continues from 7:52. Jesus remained at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. During the feast, the conflicts Jesus encountered in chapter 7 continued and intensified.

Theme notes and profiles

Hardened Hearts

Events

Parallels

1 John 1:5–10

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Peter, the Apostle World

Topics

Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Eternity of Jesus, the Christ: Kingdom of Its Nature Not of This World