King James Version
What Does John 8:58 Mean?
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”
Context
56
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59
Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(58) **Before Abraham was, I am.**—Better, *Before Abraham was born, I am.* (Comp. Note on John 1:6; and see another striking instance in Luke 6:36, “Become ye merciful as your Father also is merciful.”) Here they ask in wonder, not unmixed with scorn, if He was coeval with Abraham. The answer is that Abraham, like all men, came into being. There was a time when he was not. But there was never a time when the Son of God was not. In the time before Abraham, in the eternity before time (John 1:1), He still was. No word which expresses becoming can be used of His existence. He is the I AM, present equally in the human “was,” and “is,” and “is to come.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 8:58 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 8:58
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge