Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

John 8:55

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.

John 8:55 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "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" speaks to the importance of truly knowing and understanding God. In this verse, Jesus is asserting his relationship with God and his commitment to following God's teachings. He is contrasting the lack of understanding displayed by those who doubt him with his own deep knowledge of God. By emphasizing his knowledge of God and his adherence to God's commandments, Jesus is highlighting the authenticity of his relationship with God. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking true knowledge and understanding of God in order to live a faithful and righteous life. It underscores the significance of recognizing and honoring God's teachings, as well as the falsehood of claiming ignorance or disbelief in God.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of John highlights the importance of truly knowing and keeping God's word. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals that Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, who claim to know God but do not truly understand His ways. By stating that "you have not known him," Jesus is pointing out that mere intellectual knowledge of God is not enough; true knowledge of God comes from a personal relationship with Him. Jesus emphasizes his own intimate knowledge of the Father, contrasting it with the Pharisees' lack of understanding. The word study of "know" in this verse (Greek: ginosko) indicates a deep, experiential knowledge rather than just head knowledge. Jesus then affirms that he keeps the Father's word, demonstrating his obedience to God's will. The word "saying" in this verse (Greek: logos) can also be translated as "word" or "message," further emphasizing the importance of not only knowing God's word but also living it out in obedience. In essence, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of knowing and obeying God's word in our lives.

John 8:55 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

You 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.

Douay-Rheims

And you have not known him: but I know him. And if I shall say that I know him not, I shall be like to you, a liar. But I do know him and do keep his word.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Yet ye haue not knowen him: but I knowe him, and if I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like vnto you: but I knowe him, and keepe his worde.