John 8:21
Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 24
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 24
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὑπάγω
go
G5217
ὑπάγω
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
8 of 24
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζητήσετέ
ye shall seek
G2212
ζητήσετέ
ye shall seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
10 of 24
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάγω
go
G5217
ὑπάγω
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
20 of 24
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
Cross References
John 7:34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.John 8:24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.John 13:33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Historical Context
The phrase 'I go my way' refers to Jesus' approaching death and return to the Father. Jewish expectation was that Messiah would remain forever (John 12:34), making Jesus' departure language confusing or offensive.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to die 'in your sins' versus 'in Christ'?
- Why is believing in Jesus urgent rather than something to postpone?
- How should Christ's warning about future seeking affect present faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus warns that He will go away (to the cross, resurrection, and ascension) and they will seek Him but die in their sins. The tragedy of dying in sin rather than in Christ defines eternal destinies. Where Jesus goes (to the Father), they cannot come without faith. This demonstrates the urgency of believing while Christ is present - there are no second chances after death.