John 8:24
I 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.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πιστεύσητε
ye believe
G4100
πιστεύσητε
ye believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
13 of 21
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:John 4:26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.Proverbs 8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.John 13:19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Mark 13:6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.John 8:21Then 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.
Historical Context
The use of ego eimi echoes the Septuagint's rendering of God's name to Moses, an unmistakable claim to deity that His Jewish audience would have recognized as either truth or blasphemy.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is belief in Jesus' identity essential for salvation?
- How do you respond to Christ's exclusive claims in a pluralistic culture?
- What does it mean to believe 'that I am'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus states the consequence plainly: unless they believe 'that I am he,' they will die in their sins. The phrase 'I am' (ego eimi) is the divine name from Exodus 3:14, claiming deity. Belief in Christ's divine identity is not optional but necessary for salvation. This exclusivity offends modern pluralism but remains Christ's clear teaching - faith in Him alone saves.