8:36 8:36

John 8:37

8:38 8:38

Bible Versions

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
I know {G1492} that {G3754} ye are {G2075} Abraham's {G11} seed {G4690}; but {G235} ye seek {G2212} to kill {G615} me {G3165}, because {G3754} my {G1699} word {G3056} hath {G5562} no {G3756} place {G5562} in {G1722} you {G5213}.
I know you are the seed of Avraham. Yet you are out to kill me, because what I am saying makes no headway in you.
I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you.
I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.

John 8:37 is a pivotal verse in Jesus's discourse with the Jewish leaders in the Temple, highlighting the profound spiritual chasm between them despite their shared lineage.

Context

This verse is part of a tense conversation in John 8 where Jesus has just declared Himself the "light of the world" and debated His authority and origin. The Jewish leaders frequently challenged Him, asserting their identity and privilege as descendants of Abraham. Jesus acknowledges their physical heritage ("I know that ye are Abraham's seed") but immediately exposes their spiritual disconnect and hostility. This dialogue precedes Jesus's famous declaration about truth setting one free and His assertion, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), which further inflamed their opposition.

Key Themes

  • Physical vs. Spiritual Lineage: Jesus acknowledges their physical descent from Abraham, which was a source of great pride for them. However, He immediately contrasts this with their spiritual condition, implying that true sonship of Abraham involves following his faith and obedience, not merely his bloodline. This theme is further developed in other New Testament writings, such as Galatians 3:7, which emphasizes that those who are of faith are the true children of Abraham.
  • Rejection of Christ's Word: The core reason for their murderous intent is that "my word hath no place in you." This signifies not just a lack of intellectual understanding but a spiritual inability or unwillingness to receive, accept, or allow Jesus's teachings to dwell within them. His message, which offered freedom and life, found no fertile ground in their hearts.
  • Hostility Born of Unbelief: Their desire to kill Jesus ("ye seek to kill me") is a direct consequence of their rejection of His word. Unbelief and a closed heart to divine truth often lead to animosity and opposition against those who proclaim it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hath no place in you" comes from the Greek word chōra (χώρα), which can mean "place," "room," or "space." In this context, it conveys that Jesus's word finds no reception, no dwelling place, or no opportunity to take root and bear fruit in their hearts. It suggests an active resistance rather than mere ignorance.

Practical Application

John 8:37 serves as a powerful reminder that physical heritage or religious affiliation alone does not guarantee spiritual acceptance of God's truth. What truly matters is the posture of one's heart towards Christ's word. Do we allow His teaching to take root and dwell within us, transforming our lives, or do we resist it? This verse challenges believers to continually examine their hearts for any resistance to God's truth, ensuring that His word truly has "place" and authority in their lives.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

  • John 8:45

    And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.

  • John 8:47

    He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

  • Romans 9:7

    Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • John 7:1

    ¶ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

  • John 8:59

    Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

  • Acts 13:26

    Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
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