Meaning, commentary and cross references
John 8:58
“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
NIV · New International Version
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
WEB · World English Bible
Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”
What does John 8:58 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you,.... Whether it will be believed or not, it is certainly fact: before Abraham was, I am; which is to be understood, not of his being in the purpose and decree of God, foreordained to sufferings, and to glory; for so all the elect of God may be said to be before Abraham, being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world: or that Christ was man, before Abraham became the father of many nations; that is, before the calling of the Gentiles; for nothing is said in the text about his being the father of many nations; it is a bold and impudent addition to it: and besides, Abraham was made the father of many nations, as Ishmaelites…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on John 8:51–59
It is ushered in with the usual solemn preface, Verily, verily, I say unto you, which commands both attention and assent, and this is what he says, If a man keep my sayings, he shall never see death. Here we have, 1. The character of a believer: he is one that keeps the sayings of the Lord Jesus, ton logon ton emon - my word; that word of mine which I have delivered to you; this we must not only receive, but keep; not only have, but hold. We must keep it in mind and memory, keep it in love and affection, so keep it as in nothing to violate it or go contrary to it, keep it without spot (Ti1 6:14), keep it as a trust committed to us, keep in it as our way, keep to it as our rule. 2.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on John 8:56–59
58. Before Abraham was. As unbelievers judge only from the appearance of the flesh, Christ reminds them that he has something greater and higher than human appearance, which is hidden from the senses of the flesh, and is perceived only by the eyes of faith; and that, in this respect, he might be seen by the holy fathers, before he was manifested in the flesh. But he uses different verbs.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: John 8:55–59 (WEB)
55You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I don’t know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57The Jews therefore said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.” 59Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.
Cross references
- Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
- Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
- John 17:5
Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.
- John 1:1–2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- Isaiah 44:6
This is what the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of Armies, says: “I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.
- John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
- Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
- Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.