John 8:23
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 26
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
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
17 of 26
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
23 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 3:31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.John 17:14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.John 17:16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Historical Context
The contrast between 'beneath' (ek tōn katō) and 'above' (ek tōn anō) parallels John 3's contrast between earthly birth and birth from above, establishing the necessity of regeneration.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'from beneath' versus 'from above'?
- How does your origin determine your destiny?
- What must happen to change someone from 'beneath' to 'above'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus identifies the fundamental divide: 'Ye are from beneath; I am from above.' This establishes two humanities - those born of flesh (from beneath) and those born of Spirit (from above). Natural origin versus spiritual origin determines destiny. The Reformed doctrine of total depravity and regeneration finds clear expression: humanity's earthly origin leaves them unable to ascend to heavenly things without divine recreation.