John 8:22
Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτόν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτόν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 16
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὑπάγω
go
G5217
ὑπάγω
go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
12 of 16
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Psalms 22:6But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.John 8:52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.John 8:48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
Historical Context
First-century Judaism considered suicide particularly shameful, believing suicides went to the darkest part of Sheol. The Jews' question thus combines mockery with profound insult.
Questions for Reflection
- How does hard-heartedness manifest in mockery of spiritual truth?
- When are you tempted to joke about or dismiss serious spiritual warnings?
- What does their response reveal about the condition of their hearts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Jews mockingly ask if Jesus will kill Himself, since He says they cannot follow Him. Their hardness manifests in cynical jest about the gravest spiritual warnings. Suicides were considered especially cursed, so suggesting Jesus would kill Himself was deeply insulting. Yet their mockery ironically touches truth - Jesus will lay down His life voluntarily, though by crucifixion, not suicide.