John 8:25
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said they
G3004
ἔλεγον
said they
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
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
τίς
Who
G5101
τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto him
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
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 #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Τὴν
G3588
Τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχὴν
from the beginning
G746
ἀρχὴν
from the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
13 of 18
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
ὅ
G3739
ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Jesus' response can be translated various ways, but the sense is that His identity has been clear from the start of His ministry - they're without excuse for continuing to question who He is.
Questions for Reflection
- How clearly has Jesus revealed His identity?
- What prevents people from accepting Christ's plain claims about Himself?
- How can you help others see who Jesus truly is?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When asked 'Who art thou?', Jesus responds that He is exactly who He's been claiming 'from the beginning.' His identity hasn't changed or evolved - He's consistently revealed Himself as the divine Son. This emphasizes the consistency of Christ's self-revelation and His disciples' responsibility to believe what He's plainly said.