John 8:23

KJV

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Ye {G5210} are {G2075} from {G1537} beneath {G2736}; I {G1473} am {G1510} from {G1537} above {G507}: ye {G5210} are {G2075} of {G1537} this {G5127} world {G2889}; I {G1473} am {G1510} not {G3756} of {G1537} this {G5127} world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:23, Jesus delivers a profound and stark declaration, drawing an absolute distinction between His divine, heavenly origin and the earthly, fallen nature of His Jewish interlocutors. This verse encapsulates a fundamental theological truth about Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God, contrasting His spiritual essence and source with the worldly orientation and limited understanding of those who oppose Him, thereby illuminating the chasm between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus occurs within a highly charged and escalating debate in the Temple courts, likely during the Feast of Tabernacles. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has proclaimed Himself to be [the Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), a claim that profoundly challenged the religious authorities and their understanding of God's presence and revelation. Their subsequent questioning of His testimony and origin (e.g., [John 8:13](/john/8-13 "John 8:13 - Pharisees Question Jesus' Testimony")) sets the stage for Jesus' direct and confrontational response in [John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature"). His words here are not merely an assertion of identity but an explanation for their inability to comprehend Him; their earthly perspective fundamentally blinds them to His heavenly truth, leading to a tragic misunderstanding that culminates in their rejection of Him. The dialogue continues to intensify, with Jesus warning of their impending death in their sins if they do not believe in Him ([John 8:24](/john/8-24 "John 8:24 - Dying in Sins")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, a focal point of Jewish religious and national identity, during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This festival was a joyous celebration commemorating God's provision in the wilderness and looking forward to the messianic age. The Jewish leaders, primarily Pharisees and Sadducees, held significant religious and social authority. They were deeply entrenched in a system of law and tradition, often interpreting the Messiah's coming in political and nationalistic terms—as a deliverer who would free Israel from Roman rule. Their worldview was largely shaped by their earthly understanding of God's covenant with Israel and their own perceived righteousness. Jesus' claims, particularly His assertions of divine origin and authority that transcended their established categories, were perceived as blasphemous and a direct threat to their authority and the existing religious order. Their inability to recognize Him stemmed from a cultural and spiritual framework that was "from beneath," focused on earthly power and human interpretation rather than divine revelation.

* **Key Themes:** [John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **radical distinction between the divine and the earthly**. Jesus explicitly contrasts His heavenly origin ("from above") with the earthly origin of His adversaries ("from beneath"), signifying not just a difference in location but in nature, essence, and spiritual source. This theme is foundational to understanding Jesus' unique identity as the Son sent from the Father, as seen in passages like [John 3:31](/john/3-31 "John 3:31 - He Who Comes From Above"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **conflict between the kingdom of God and the "world" (kosmos)**. To be "of this world" implies being characterized by its fallen values, systems, and spiritual blindness, a concept Jesus further develops when He states His disciples are "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Disciples Not of the World")). This distinction emphasizes the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, which permeates the entire Gospel. Finally, the verse implicitly addresses the **inability of the unregenerate mind to comprehend spiritual truth**. Because His adversaries are "from beneath" and "of this world," they are fundamentally incapable of grasping Jesus' heavenly truths or recognizing His divine authority, illustrating the spiritual blindness that prevents belief, a theme explored in [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in Darkness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ek (Greek, _ek'_):** This preposition, translated as "from" or "of," denotes origin, the point from which action or motion proceeds. In [John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature"), it is crucial for establishing the source or nature of both Jesus and His interlocutors. When Jesus says "Ye are *from* beneath" and "I am *from* above," `ek` signifies their fundamental source of being and spiritual orientation. Similarly, "ye are *of* this world" and "I am not *of* this world" uses `ek` to indicate belonging to or deriving one's essence from a particular realm or system. It's not merely a physical origin but a spiritual one, defining their very being and perspective.
* **kátō (Greek, _kátō'_):** Meaning "downwards" or "beneath," this adverb directly contrasts with "above." When Jesus states, "Ye are from *beneath*," He is not referring to a geographical location but to a spiritual and moral state. It signifies an earthly, fallen, and human-centered origin and perspective, diametrically opposed to the divine. This "beneath" implies a connection to the corrupt world system and a spiritual blindness that prevents recognition of heavenly truth.
* **kósmos (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This word, translated as "world," refers to an "orderly arrangement," but in the New Testament, particularly in John's Gospel, it often carries the connotation of the fallen, human-dominated system alienated from God. When Jesus says, "ye are of this *world*; I am not of this *world*," `kosmos` refers to the sphere of human existence characterized by sin, rebellion against God, and spiritual darkness. It is the realm that stands in opposition to God's kingdom and His truth. Jesus' declaration that He is "not of this world" underscores His divine nature and His mission to transcend and redeem this fallen system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase sets the stage for a direct and authoritative declaration from Jesus. It highlights that His subsequent words are a deliberate response to the ongoing confrontation with the Jewish leaders, emphasizing the personal and confrontational nature of His truth-telling.
* **"Ye are from beneath; I am from above:"**: This is the first of two powerful antithetical statements. "From beneath" (Greek: _ek tōn katō_) signifies an earthly, human, and fallen origin, implying a perspective limited by human understanding and sin. "From above" (Greek: _ek tōn anō_) unequivocally declares Jesus' divine, heavenly origin, emphasizing His pre-existence, His unique relationship with the Father, and the divine source of His authority and truth. This contrast is not merely about physical location but about spiritual essence and nature.
* **"ye are of this world; I am not of this world."**: This second antithesis reinforces and expands upon the first. To be "of this world" (Greek: _ek tou kosmou toutou_) means to belong to, be characterized by, and derive one's values from the fallen, sinful human system that is alienated from God. This describes the spiritual condition and worldview of Jesus' adversaries. Conversely, Jesus' declaration, "I am not of this world," asserts His complete transcendence over the corrupt human system. His nature, mission, and kingdom are entirely distinct from and superior to the world's values and power structures, highlighting His unique identity as the Son of God.

#### Literary Devices
[John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature") is rich in **Antithesis** and **Parallelism**. Jesus employs direct **Antithesis** by juxtaposing opposing concepts: "from beneath" versus "from above," and "of this world" versus "not of this world." This stark contrast serves to highlight the absolute and irreconcilable difference between His divine nature and the earthly nature of His opponents. The structure of the verse also demonstrates clear **Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("ye are of this world; I am not of this world") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first half ("Ye are from beneath; I am from above"). This reinforces the central message, driving home the profound distinction in origin and nature. Furthermore, the terms "beneath," "above," and "world" function as powerful **Symbolism**. "Beneath" symbolizes the earthly, fallen, and human realm, while "above" symbolizes the divine, heavenly, and spiritual realm. "World" (kosmos) symbolizes the human system alienated from God. These symbolic representations convey deep theological truths about spiritual realities that transcend mere physical location.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature") is a cornerstone for understanding the fundamental theological divide between the divine and the human, the spiritual and the carnal. It articulates Jesus' unique ontological status as the Son of God, whose very being originates from the heavenly realm, contrasting sharply with humanity's fallen state and earthly orientation. This distinction is crucial for comprehending the necessity of spiritual rebirth, as articulated in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and Being Born Again"), where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be "born again" or "born from above" to see the kingdom of God. The verse also lays the groundwork for the concept of the church as a people "not of this world," called to live by heavenly principles while still existing within the earthly realm, a tension that believers navigate in their daily lives. It underscores that true spiritual understanding and salvation are not derived from human wisdom or earthly systems but from a divine source, accessible only through faith in Christ.

* [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born From Above")
* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' declaration in [John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature") serves as a profound challenge and a call to self-examination for every believer. It compels us to consider the source of our own identity, values, and understanding. Are we primarily "from beneath" and "of this world," allowing earthly concerns, cultural norms, and human reasoning to dictate our lives? Or have we, through faith in Christ, been born "from above," receiving a new, heavenly nature that reorients our perspective and priorities? This verse reminds us that our spiritual origin in Christ transforms our entire worldview, enabling us to discern between eternal truths and fleeting worldly philosophies. It calls us to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting God's kingdom values in a world that often operates in opposition to them. Our lives should bear witness to our new birth, demonstrating that while we are in the world, we are no longer defined by it, but by our divine origin in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my thoughts, desires, and actions reveal whether I am primarily "from beneath" or "from above"?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' heavenly origin impact my view of His authority and the truth of His words?**
* **What specific "worldly" values or systems might I be unconsciously adopting that contradict my identity as someone "not of this world"?**
* **How can I more intentionally live out my "above" perspective in my daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "from beneath" or "of this world" in this context?**

Answer: To be "from beneath" or "of this world" refers to a spiritual and moral origin, not a geographical one. It signifies being rooted in the fallen, earthly realm and its systems, which are characterized by sin, human wisdom, and a perspective alienated from God. It describes a spiritual condition where one's understanding, values, and life are shaped by human limitations and the corrupting influence of the world, leading to an inability to comprehend divine truth. This is the spiritual state of those who have not been born "from above" through faith in Christ, as Jesus explains in [John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - Born Again").

**How can I, as a believer, be "not of this world" while still living in it?**

Answer: Being "not of this world" (as a believer) means that while you physically reside on earth, your ultimate allegiance, spiritual identity, and core values are derived from God's heavenly kingdom, not from the world's fallen systems. This is a call to live by a different standard, reflecting Christ's character and kingdom principles. It involves setting your mind on "things above" ([Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")), discerning worldly influences, and prioritizing eternal truths over temporary earthly pursuits. It doesn't mean withdrawing from society, but engaging with it as an ambassador of Christ, bringing the light and truth of the gospel into a dark world, as Jesus prayed for His disciples in [John 17:15-18](/john/17-15-18 "John 17:15-18 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 8:23](/john/8-23 "John 8:23 - Jesus' Origin and Nature") stands as a pivotal declaration of Christ's unique identity and the very essence of His salvific mission. Jesus' assertion, "I am from above: I am not of this world," is a direct claim to His pre-existence and divine nature, affirming His status as the eternal Son who descended from the Father, as beautifully articulated in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). His heavenly origin signifies that He alone possesses the truth and authority to reveal God to humanity, because He is the one who has "come down from heaven" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Comes From Heaven")). Furthermore, His declaration that He is "not of this world" underscores His purity, His transcendence over sin, and His ultimate victory over the fallen cosmos. This is crucial for His role as the spotless Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is efficacious because He is untainted by the very world He came to redeem ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ, who is "from above," offers a path for those "from beneath" to be born again "from above" ([John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - Born Again")), transforming their earthly orientation into a heavenly one, making them citizens of His eternal kingdom ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, this verse is not merely a statement of contrast but a profound revelation of the Savior who bridges the chasm between heaven and earth, offering new life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:31

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

John 17:14

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 17:16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

1 John 4:5

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.