King James Version

What Does John 8:28 Mean?

John 8:28 in the King James Version says “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing... — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

John 8:28 · KJV


Context

26

I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

27

They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

28

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

30

As he spake these words, many believed on him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus prophesies His crucifixion ('when ye have lifted up the Son of man') as the event that will prove His identity and mission. The cross, appearing to be Christ's defeat, will actually vindicate Him. His obedient death and subsequent resurrection will demonstrate He does nothing independently but only what the Father commands. The cross proves Christ's authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

'Lifted up' has double meaning - physical lifting on the cross and spiritual exaltation through resurrection and ascension. The same event that enemies use to destroy Jesus becomes His glorification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cross demonstrate Jesus' identity rather than destroy it?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus does only what the Father teaches Him?
  3. How can apparent defeat become victory in God's hands?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
εἶπεν1 of 30

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν2 of 30

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτοῖς3 of 30

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

4 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς5 of 30

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ὅταν6 of 30

When

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ὑψώσητε7 of 30

ye have lifted up

G5312

to elevate (literally or figuratively)

τὸν8 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸν9 of 30

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ10 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου11 of 30

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τότε12 of 30

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

γνώσεσθε13 of 30

shall ye know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι14 of 30

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγώ15 of 30

I

G1473

i, me

εἰμι16 of 30

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ17 of 30

he and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπ'18 of 30

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμαυτοῦ19 of 30

myself

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ποιῶ20 of 30

that I do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οὐδέν21 of 30

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἀλλὰ22 of 30

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καθὼς23 of 30

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἐδίδαξέν24 of 30

hath taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

με25 of 30

me

G3165

me

26 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ27 of 30

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου,28 of 30

my

G3450

of me

ταῦτα29 of 30

these things

G5023

these things

λαλῶ30 of 30

I speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 8:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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