John 8:44

Authorized King James Version

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὑμεῖς
G5210
Ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#2
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#3
πατὴρ
G3962
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
διαβόλου
G1228
the devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#6
ἐστὲ
G2075
are
ye are
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐπιθυμίας
G1939
the lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πατὴρ
G3962
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#12
ὑμῶν
G5216
of your
of (from or concerning) you
#13
θέλετε
G2309
ye will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#14
ποιεῖν
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#15
ἐκεῖνος
G1565
He
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#16
ἀνθρωποκτόνος
G443
a murderer
a manslayer
#17
ἦν
G2258
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#18
ἀπ'
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#19
ἀρχῆς
G746
the beginning
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#20
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἀλήθεια
G225
the truth
truth
#24
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
ἔστηκεν
G2476
abode
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#26
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#27
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#28
ἐστὶν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#29
ἀλήθεια
G225
the truth
truth
#30
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#31
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#32
ὅταν
G3752
When
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#33
λαλεῖ
G2980
he speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#34
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
ψεῦδος
G5579
a lie
a falsehood
#36
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#37
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#38
ἰδίων
G2398
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#39
λαλεῖ
G2980
he speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#40
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#41
ψεύστης
G5583
a liar
a falsifier
#42
ἐστὶν
G2076
he is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#43
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#44
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#45
πατὴρ
G3962
father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#46
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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