John 8:55

Authorized King James Version

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
Yet
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#3
ἐγνώκατε
G1097
known
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#4
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
#5
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#6
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#7
οἶδα
G1492
I know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
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
#9
καὶ
G2532
Yet
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἐὰν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#11
εἴπω
G2036
I should say
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#12
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#13
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
οἶδα
G1492
I know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#15
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
#16
ἔσομαι
G2071
I shall be
will be
#17
ὅμοιος
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#18
ὑμῶν,
G5216
unto you
of (from or concerning) you
#19
ψεύστης·
G5583
a liar
a falsifier
#20
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#21
οἶδα
G1492
I know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#22
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
#23
καὶ
G2532
Yet
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
λόγον
G3056
saying
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#26
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
#27
τηρῶ
G5083
keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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