John 8:53

Before Abraham Was Born, I Am · John 8:48–59
Read John 8

Translations

Modern
Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”
Traditional
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
Literal
Are You greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Whom do You make Yourself?”
Latin
Numquid tu major es patre nostro Abraham, qui mortuus est? et prophetæ mortui sunt. Quem teipsum facis?

Interlinear

Greek
English
Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”

Notes

Who do You claim to be?: This question was hostile and aggressive. However, if Jesus is immortal, ruling over life and death, then he is greater than Abraham, the prophets, or any of the greatest people in Israel’s history (8:58).

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

Abraham

Events

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

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

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Self-Righteousness: Pharisees Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning