John 8:28

KJV

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am [he], and [that] I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto them {G846}, When {G3752} ye have lifted up {G5312} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, then {G3767} shall ye know {G1097} that {G3754} I {G1473} am {G1510} he, and {G2532} that I do {G4160} nothing {G3762} of {G575} myself {G1683}; but {G235} as {G2531} my {G3450} Father {G3962} hath taught {G1321} me {G3165}, I speak {G2980} these things {G5023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yeshua said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM [who I say I am], and that of myself I do nothing, but say only what the Father has taught me.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore said, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:28, Jesus delivers a profound and paradoxical statement to His Jewish interlocutors, prophesying His crucifixion and subsequent glorification as the pivotal event that will unveil His true divine identity. He asserts that His actions and words are not self-originated but are in perfect and complete obedience to the Father's instruction, thereby affirming His unique relationship with God and the divine authority behind His ministry, even in the face of impending suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a tense and escalating discourse between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees, in the Temple treasury (likely during the Feast of Tabernacles). The preceding verses in [John 8](/john/8 "John 8 - Jesus' Teachings and Debates") highlight Jesus' declaration as the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), His claims of divine origin and unique relationship with the Father ([John 8:14-19](/john/8-14-19 "John 8:14-19 - Jesus' Testimony and Origin")), and the leaders' persistent misunderstanding and hostility. They question His authority, His origin, and His destination, often interpreting His spiritual claims in purely earthly terms. Jesus' statement in [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Prophesies His Lifting Up") serves as a direct response to their incredulity, revealing that their true understanding of Him will only come *after* the very act of rejection they are orchestrating. It foreshadows the ultimate climax of His earthly ministry, linking His death to His revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the Temple precincts during a major Jewish festival would have drawn large crowds, including many religious leaders. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, held significant influence and were often at odds with Jesus due to His teachings, claims of authority, and perceived disregard for their traditions. Their understanding of the Messiah was often nationalistic and political, expecting a conquering king who would liberate Israel from Roman rule, not a suffering servant who would be "lifted up" on a cross. The concept of "Son of Man" had roots in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), where it referred to a divine, authoritative figure who would receive an everlasting kingdom. However, the idea of this figure being "lifted up" in a manner that implied execution would have been scandalous and incomprehensible to many, particularly given the Roman method of crucifixion, which was a symbol of shame and curse ([Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is he who hangs on a tree")).
* **Key Themes:** John 8:28 powerfully encapsulates several core Johannine themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Prophecy of the Crucifixion and Exaltation**, where Jesus' physical elevation on the cross is simultaneously His ultimate glorification and the means of revelation. This paradoxical "lifting up" is a recurring motif in John's Gospel, appearing also in [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Moses Lifting Up the Serpent") and [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Drawing All People"). Secondly, it highlights Jesus' **Divine Identity and the "I AM" Declarations**. The phrase "I am he" (Greek: _egō eimi_) is a direct echo of God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"), asserting Jesus' pre-existence and equality with God. This declaration, often misunderstood or rejected by His audience, is revealed in its full truth through His passion. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes Jesus' **Perfect Obedience and Unity with the Father**. His assertion that He does "nothing of myself" but speaks "as my Father hath taught me" stresses His complete dependence on and submission to the Father's will, demonstrating a unique and intimate relationship that refutes accusations of blasphemy and affirms His divine mission, as also seen in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What He Sees the Father Doing") and [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Greek, _hypsóō_):** This verb (G5312) means "to elevate," "to exalt," or "to lift up." In the context of Jesus, it carries a profound double meaning. On one hand, it refers to His physical elevation on the cross, a shameful and agonizing form of execution. On the other hand, it signifies His exaltation and glorification, both in His resurrection and ascension, and in the revelation of His divine nature through the very act of sacrifice. The "lifting up" is thus not merely an execution but a divinely ordained act of sovereign glorification.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb (G1097) denotes a deep, experiential, and relational "knowing," not merely intellectual assent. It implies a recognition that comes through experience and revelation. When Jesus states, "then shall ye know," He means that His crucifixion and subsequent vindication will lead His audience (and indeed, the world) to truly grasp His identity as the divine Son, not just intellectually, but in a way that transforms understanding and belief. This knowing is tied to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **I am (Greek, _egṓ eimí_):** While the KJV adds "he," the Greek phrase (G1473 _egṓ_ and G1510 _eimí_) stands alone as a powerful and absolute declaration. This is Jesus' most direct claim to divinity, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"). By saying "I AM," Jesus asserts His eternal existence, His absolute sovereignty, and His divine nature, identifying Himself with Yahweh, the God of Israel. The full realization of this truth is intrinsically linked to the "lifting up" event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man""**: Jesus initiates this statement by directly addressing His Jewish interlocutors, who are currently questioning and opposing Him. The phrase "Son of Man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique divine authority as prophesied in Old Testament texts like [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). The verb "lifted up" is a direct prophecy of His crucifixion, indicating that it will be their actions (or the actions of those they represent) that lead to His elevation on the cross. This is a chilling premonition of their complicity in His death, yet it is framed within God's sovereign plan.
* **"then shall ye know that I am [he]"**: This clause reveals the profound consequence of the "lifting up." The act of crucifixion, though seemingly a defeat, will paradoxically be the moment of ultimate revelation. It is through His suffering, death, and subsequent resurrection and ascension that His true identity as the divine "I AM" will be undeniably confirmed and understood. This "knowing" is not merely intellectual recognition but a deep, experiential understanding of His divine nature and messianic claims, which many of His audience currently lack.
* **"and [that] I do nothing of myself"**: Jesus here clarifies the source of His authority and actions. He emphatically states that His ministry, His teachings, and His very being are not self-originated or independent. This directly refutes any accusation that He acts on His own accord or in defiance of God. Instead, He consistently operates in perfect alignment with the divine will.
* **"but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things."**: This final clause reinforces Jesus' complete dependence on and perfect submission to God the Father. His words are not His own invention but are precisely what the Father has instructed Him to speak. This highlights the profound unity and intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, where Jesus serves as the perfect revelation and embodiment of the Father's will and truth. His entire ministry is an act of filial obedience and divine communication.

#### Literary Devices
John 8:28 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Central to the verse is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells His crucifixion with the phrase "When ye have lifted up the Son of man." This is not a mere prediction but a divine declaration of a pre-ordained event. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the physical act of being "lifted up" on the cross serves as a symbol for His ultimate exaltation and glorification. The cross, a symbol of shame, becomes the means of divine revelation. The phrase "I am he" (or simply "I AM" in Greek) is a powerful instance of **Divine Self-Identification** or **Theophany**, echoing God's revelation to Moses and asserting Jesus' deity. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: the very act intended to silence and destroy Jesus—His crucifixion—will be the catalyst for His true identity to be revealed and acknowledged, even by those who rejected Him. This paradoxical truth underscores the wisdom and sovereignty of God, turning human malice into divine triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:28 stands as a theological nexus, connecting the suffering of Christ directly to the revelation of His divine identity and the outworking of God's redemptive plan. It underscores the profound truth that God's greatest act of revelation and salvation would occur not through a display of earthly power, but through the ultimate act of self-giving love and sacrifice on the cross. This verse affirms the paradox of divine glory being revealed through human weakness and suffering, a central tenet of Christian theology. It highlights the perfect unity and cooperation within the Trinity, as the Son's actions are entirely dependent on and obedient to the Father's will, demonstrating a divine harmony that undergirds all creation and redemption. The "lifting up" is thus both a historical event and a theological statement about the nature of God's saving work and the unique person of Christ.

* [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Moses Lifting Up the Serpent in the Wilderness")
* [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Drawing All People to Himself")
* [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 8:28 invites us to contemplate the profound mystery of Christ's identity and the paradoxical nature of God's redemptive plan. For us, true understanding of who Jesus is often deepens as we reflect on His sacrifice on the cross. It reminds us that God's greatest revelations can emerge from moments of profound suffering or apparent defeat. Just as Jesus did nothing of Himself but perfectly obeyed the Father, this verse calls us to a life of humble dependence and obedience to God's will. It challenges us to surrender our own agendas and desires, trusting that God's plan, even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice, is ultimately for our good and His glory. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and to seek the deeper, spiritual truths that God reveals, particularly through the cross, which is the ultimate demonstration of divine love and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of Jesus being "lifted up" challenge or affirm your understanding of power and glory?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to act "of myself" rather than in dependence on God?**
* **How has reflecting on Christ's sacrifice deepened your "knowing" of Him?**
* **What does Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father teach you about your own relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "When ye have lifted up the Son of man" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase primarily refers to Jesus' crucifixion. While it literally describes His physical elevation on the cross, it also carries a deeper theological meaning of His exaltation and glorification. The cross, though an instrument of shame and death, was the divinely appointed means by which Jesus would accomplish salvation and be revealed in His full divine glory. This dual meaning is consistent with other passages in John's Gospel, such as [John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Moses Lifting Up the Serpent") and [John 12:32-33](/john/12-32-33 "John 12:32-33 - Jesus' Lifting Up and Drawing All People").

**Why does Jesus say "then shall ye know that I am he"? What does "I am he" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "I am he" (Greek: _egō eimi_) is one of Jesus' most profound claims to divinity in John's Gospel. The "he" is supplied by the translators for clarity, but in the Greek, it is simply "I AM." This directly echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"), where God identifies Himself as "I AM WHO I AM." By using this phrase, Jesus asserts His eternal existence, His absolute sovereignty, and His divine identity, claiming equality with Yahweh, the God of Israel. He states that only after His crucifixion and resurrection—His "lifting up"—will His true identity as the divine Son be fully understood and undeniably confirmed, even by those who currently reject Him.

**How does Jesus' statement "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" relate to His divinity?**

Answer: This statement highlights the profound unity and perfect submission within the Godhead, rather than diminishing Jesus' divinity. It demonstrates that Jesus, as the Son, perfectly embodies and executes the Father's will. His actions and words are not independent or self-originated but are in complete obedience and harmony with the Father's instruction. This perfect dependence underscores His unique relationship with the Father and His role as the perfect revealer of God. It refutes any notion that He acts presumptuously or blasphemously, instead affirming that His entire ministry is a divine mission rooted in the Father's authority and wisdom, as also seen in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does What He Sees the Father Doing") and [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:28 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the cross of Calvary and the subsequent resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The "lifting up of the Son of Man" is not merely a historical event but the very heart of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament and perfectly accomplished in Christ. When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, He bore the sins of the world, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's redemption ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). This act, seemingly a defeat, was God's ordained path to victory over sin and death, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant who would be exalted ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus was indeed "lifted up" to the right hand of God, where He reigns as Lord and Christ ([Acts 2:33-36](/acts/2-33-36 "Acts 2:33-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). It is through this pivotal event that the world truly comes to "know that I am," recognizing Jesus as the divine "I AM," the very God who entered human history to save His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, the cross, far from being a stumbling block, becomes the glorious revelation of God's love and the power of Christ's perfect obedience, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Drawing All People to Himself")) and offering eternal 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 5:19

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

John 12:49

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 12:50

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

Matthew 27:50

¶ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.