King James Version

What Does John 8:46 Mean?

John 8:46 in the King James Version says “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”

John 8:46 · KJV

TruthFaith

Context

44

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. of his own: or, from his own will or disposition

45

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which of you convinceth me of sin? Jesus issues an extraordinary challenge: elegchō (ἐλέγχω) means to convict, expose, prove guilty—Jesus demands His accusers produce evidence of sin in His life. This unprecedented claim to sinlessness stands alone in Scripture. No prophet, priest, or king ever dared such a challenge. Moses struck the rock in anger (Numbers 20:11-12), David committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11), Peter denied Christ (Luke 22:54-62)—but Jesus stands without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22).

And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? The conditional "if" (εἰ/ei) assumes the reality—"since I speak truth" (first class condition). Jesus connects His sinlessness to His truthfulness: a sinless life validates His words. The question "why" (διὰ τί/dia ti)—literally "on account of what"—demands they examine their motives. If they cannot convict Him of sin, and He speaks truth, what rational basis exists for unbelief?

This verse establishes Christ's unique authority. Unlike false prophets who mixed truth with error, or holy men who spoke God's word despite personal failure, Jesus's perfect character authenticated His perfect teaching. As the sinless God-man, He alone could claim, "I am the truth" (14:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish law, accusations required two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus's challenge invited His opponents to produce evidence, but they responded with slander instead (v.48), calling Him a demon-possessed Samaritan. Their inability to cite a single sin exposed their charges as baseless.

The religious leaders had been watching Jesus for years, seeking grounds for accusation (Luke 6:7, John 5:16). They examined His Sabbath observance, table fellowship, handling of tradition, claims about Himself. Despite intense scrutiny from hostile critics, they found nothing—because there was nothing to find. Even Pilate, after trial, declared, "I find no fault in him" (19:4).

Jesus's sinlessness was essential for atonement. The sacrificial lamb must be "without blemish" (Exodus 12:5, Leviticus 22:21). Only a sinless substitute could bear others' sins (Isaiah 53:9, 1 Peter 2:22-24). This challenge demonstrated His qualification as the Lamb of God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's sinless life teach us about God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's perfect obedience where we have failed give us confidence in His substitutionary atonement?
  3. Why is it significant that Jesus's enemies, despite intense scrutiny, could not produce evidence of sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τίς1 of 16

“Which”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐξ2 of 16

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν3 of 16

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐλέγχει4 of 16

“convinceth”

G1651

to confute, admonish

με5 of 16

“me”

G3165

me

περὶ6 of 16

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἁμαρτίας;7 of 16

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

εἰ8 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ9 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλήθειαν10 of 16

“the truth”

G225

truth

λέγω,11 of 16

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

διατί12 of 16

“why”

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

ὑμεῖς13 of 16

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὐ14 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πιστεύετέ15 of 16

“believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

μοι;16 of 16

“me”

G3427

to me

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 8:46 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 8:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 4:15John 16:8John 8:7John 14:30John 15:10Matthew 21:25

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