John 8:14

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς

G846

unto them

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

Κἂν

G2579

Though

and (or even) if

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

μαρτυρῶ

G3140

bear record

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

περὶ

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

#10

ἐμαυτοῦ

G1683

myself

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

#11

ἀληθής

G227

true

true (as not concealing)

#12

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#13

ἡ

G3588

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

#14

μαρτυρία

G3141

record

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

#15

μου

G3450

yet my

of me

#16

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#17

οἴδατε

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#18

πόθεν

G4159

whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#19

ἔρχομαι

G2064

I came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

ποῦ

G4226

whither

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

#22

ὑπάγω

G5217

I go

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#23

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

#24

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#25

οὐκ

G3756

cannot

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

#26

οἴδατε

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#27

πόθεν

G4159

whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#28

ἔρχομαι

G2064

I came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#30

ποῦ

G4226

whither

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

#31

ὑπάγω

G5217

I go

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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John 8:14

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources