John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Original Language Analysis
Ἔλεγεν
said
G3004
Ἔλεγεν
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεπιστευκότας
believed
G4100
πεπιστευκότας
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 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
αὐτῷ
on him
G846
αὐτῷ
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 21
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
Ἐὰν
If
G1437
Ἐὰν
If
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
μείνητε
continue
G3306
μείνητε
continue
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
12 of 21
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
15 of 21
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
2 John 1:9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.2 Timothy 3:14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;1 Samuel 12:14If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Romans 11:22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Many Jews believed based on Christ's signs (v. 30) but would soon turn away, proving shallow faith. Jesus warns that genuine discipleship requires continual abiding in His teaching, not emotional responses to miracles.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence exists in your life that you are 'continuing' in Christ's word?
- How does faithful Bible study and obedience distinguish true disciples from mere admirers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Continuing in Christ's word distinguishes genuine disciples from false professors. The conditional 'if ye continue' doesn't suggest works-based salvation but evidential proof—true faith perseveres. 'My word' emphasizes obedience to Christ's teaching, not mere intellectual agreement. This verse introduces the freedom theme (v. 32, 36), showing that discipleship brings liberation, not bondage.