John 8:43

KJV

Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why {G1302} do ye {G1097} not {G3756} understand {G1097} my {G1699} speech {G2981}? even because {G3754} ye cannot {G3756}{G1410} hear {G191} my {G1699} word {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? Because you can’t bear to listen to my message.

Berean Standard Bible

Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.

American Standard Version

Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:43, Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders, articulating the profound spiritual chasm that prevents them from grasping His message. He reveals that their inability to comprehend His "speech" or His "word" stems not from an intellectual deficit, but from a deep-seated spiritual incapacity to truly hear and receive divine truth, setting the stage for His subsequent revelation about their spiritual father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within one of the most intense and protracted debates between Jesus and the Jewish authorities recorded in the Gospel of John, specifically in chapter 8. The dialogue begins with Jesus' declaration as the "light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), leading to escalating confrontations over His identity, origin, and authority. Prior to [John 8:43](/john/8-43 "John 8:43 - Why They Don't Understand Jesus' Speech"), Jesus has repeatedly asserted His divine origin and His speaking of truth from the Father ([John 8:23-29](/john/8-23-29 "John 8:23-29 - Jesus' Divine Origin and Mission")). He has just told them that if they were truly Abraham's children, they would do the works of Abraham, but instead, they seek to kill Him because His word finds no place in them ([John 8:39-40](/john/8-39-40 "John 8:39-40 - True Children of Abraham")). Their failure to understand His "speech" and "word" directly precedes Jesus' shocking and definitive statement in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You Are of Your Father the Devil"), where He reveals their true spiritual parentage. This verse serves as a critical bridge, explaining *why* they are unable to receive His truth before exposing the ultimate source of their resistance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this discourse is likely the Temple courts in Jerusalem, possibly during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when many pilgrims were present and religious fervor was high. Jesus' audience primarily consists of Jewish leaders, likely Pharisees, who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law and their lineage from Abraham. They held a deeply ingrained expectation of a political, conquering Messiah, which clashed sharply with Jesus' spiritual claims and humble demeanor. Their understanding of "truth" was often tied to their traditions and interpretations of the Law, rather than a direct revelation from God. The concept of "hearing" or "understanding" in this context goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension; it implies a spiritual reception and obedience. To claim that someone "cannot hear" or "cannot understand" was a profound indictment, suggesting a spiritual deficiency or a deliberate rejection of divine authority, especially from a figure claiming to speak for God.

* **Key Themes:** [John 8:43](/john/8-43 "John 8:43 - Why They Don't Understand Jesus' Speech") contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness and Deafness**. Jesus consistently points out that many, despite physically seeing and hearing Him, are spiritually unable to perceive His true identity or the divine nature of His message (e.g., [John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Spiritual Blindness")). Their inability to "hear" His word signifies a spiritual incapacity to receive and comprehend divine truth, distinguishing superficial listening from genuine spiritual reception. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Rejection of Truth and Divine Revelation**. Their spiritual deafness is not passive but an active manifestation of their deep-seated resistance to Jesus and the truth He embodies. They are unwilling to accept His claims, leading to an entrenched spiritual unresponsiveness, which Jesus attributes to their spiritual parentage in the subsequent verse. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **Divine Origin and Authority of Jesus' Message**. Jesus' "speech" (laliá) and "word" (lógos) are not merely human pronouncements but carry divine authority and truth, directly from the Father. Their rejection of His words is, in essence, a rejection of God Himself, a theme echoed throughout [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - The Word Became Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **understand (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb, G1097, means "to know" in a profound sense, encompassing not just intellectual apprehension but also experiential knowledge, recognition, and discernment. When Jesus asks, "Why do you not understand my speech?", He is implying a lack of spiritual discernment and an inability to truly grasp the nature and implications of His communication, which goes beyond simple linguistic comprehension.
* **speech (Greek, _laliá_):** This noun, G2981, refers to "talk" or "saying," often implying a manner of speaking, an accent, or a particular way of expressing oneself. In this context, it points to Jesus' overall discourse, His manner of teaching, or the specific way He articulates divine truths, which the Jewish leaders found alien or offensive. They couldn't understand His *way* of speaking because they couldn't receive the *content* of His message.
* **word (Greek, _lógos_):** This profound noun, G3056, signifies "something said," "a topic," "reasoning," or "the mental faculty." Crucially, in John's Gospel, especially with the article ("the Word"), it refers to the Divine Expression, Christ Himself. Here, "my word" refers to the content of Jesus' message, the divine truth, the very essence of His teaching and identity. Their inability to "hear" His *lógos* indicates a spiritual deafness to the ultimate truth and revelation of God embodied in Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why do ye not understand my speech?"**: Jesus poses a rhetorical question, not seeking an answer from them, but highlighting their perplexing spiritual condition. He is not questioning their intellectual capacity, but their spiritual inability to grasp the deeper meaning and divine origin of His communication style and the truths He presents. This lack of understanding is indicative of a deeper spiritual problem.
* **"even because ye cannot hear my word."**: This clause provides the direct answer to the rhetorical question, revealing the root cause of their lack of understanding. The inability to "hear" (Greek, _akoúō_) here is not a physical deafness but a spiritual one—a profound unwillingness or incapacity to receive, accept, and obey the divine truth (Greek, _lógos_) that Jesus proclaims. Their spiritual ears are closed to the very message of God, rendering His "speech" incomprehensible to them.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question** ("Why do ye not understand my speech?"), immediately engages the audience and highlights the paradox of their situation: they are educated religious leaders, yet they fail to grasp the most vital truth. This question is not posed to elicit information but to underscore their spiritual deficiency. This is followed by a clear statement that functions as a form of **Causal Explanation**, directly linking their lack of understanding to their inability to hear. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** through the pairing of "speech" (laliá) and "word" (lógos), and "understand" (ginṓskō) and "hear" (akoúō). While distinct, these pairs work in tandem to convey a comprehensive spiritual failure: they cannot grasp the *manner* of His communication because they are fundamentally unreceptive to its *content*. Furthermore, the concepts of "hearing" and "understanding" are used **Metaphorically** to denote spiritual receptivity and discernment, rather than mere auditory or intellectual functions. Their "deafness" and "lack of understanding" are not physical or cognitive but profound spiritual conditions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:43 profoundly illustrates the spiritual chasm between those who are receptive to divine truth and those who are not. It underscores the biblical truth that spiritual understanding is not merely an intellectual exercise but requires a divinely enabled capacity to perceive and receive God's revelation. The inability to "hear" Jesus' word is a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady, a heart hardened against God, which ultimately prevents true knowledge of Him. This verse sets the stage for the revelation that spiritual parentage determines spiritual receptivity—those who are of God hear God's words, and those who are not cannot. It highlights the critical importance of a humble and receptive heart for discerning spiritual truth, contrasting with the pride and self-righteousness that blind the Jewish leaders.

* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
* [Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Parable of the Sower Explanation"): "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
* [Romans 8:7-8](/romans/8-7-8 "Romans 8:7-8 - The Mind Set on the Flesh"): "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider the state of our own hearts and our receptivity to God's Word. Jesus' indictment of the Jewish leaders is a timeless reminder that intellectual prowess or religious adherence alone do not guarantee spiritual understanding. True comprehension of divine truth flows from a heart that is open, humble, and willing to submit to God's authority. If we find ourselves struggling to grasp or accept certain biblical truths, this verse prompts us to ask whether the issue lies with the clarity of the message or with the condition of our spiritual "ears." It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, repentance, and earnest prayer, asking God to open our hearts and minds to truly hear and embrace His transformative "word," allowing it to take root and bear fruit in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually deaf or resistant to God's "word" or "speech"?**
* **What might be hindering my ability to truly hear and understand what God is communicating through His Word or through circumstances?**
* **How can I cultivate a more receptive and humble heart, eager to discern and obey divine truth?**
* **Do I approach Scripture with a preconceived agenda, or with an open heart ready to be transformed by God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "speech" (laliá) and "word" (lógos) in this verse?**

Answer: While both terms relate to Jesus' communication, they carry distinct nuances. "Speech" (Greek, _laliá_) refers more to the manner, style, or general discourse of Jesus—how He speaks. The Jewish leaders found His way of speaking, His parables, His claims, and His authority unsettling and incomprehensible. "Word" (Greek, _lógos_) refers to the content, substance, and divine truth of His message. It encompasses the very essence of what He proclaims about Himself and the Father. Jesus is saying that they cannot understand His *manner* of communication because they are fundamentally unwilling or unable to receive the *content* of His divine message, the very truth He embodies as [the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Their spiritual deafness to His _lógos_ prevents them from grasping His _laliá_.

**Does Jesus imply that the Jewish leaders are intellectually incapable of understanding Him?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not implying an intellectual deficiency. The Jewish leaders were highly educated and knowledgeable in the Law. Instead, Jesus points to a spiritual incapacity. Their inability to "understand" (Greek, _ginṓskō_) and "hear" (Greek, _akoúō_) is a spiritual failing, a deep-seated unwillingness or inability to receive divine truth due to a hardened heart and spiritual rebellion. This is why Jesus later reveals their true spiritual father in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You Are of Your Father the Devil"), indicating that their spiritual lineage determines their spiritual receptivity. Their problem was not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of spiritual inclination toward God's truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though John 8:43 highlights the tragic spiritual blindness and rejection of Jesus by His contemporaries, it profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual understanding and the very embodiment of God's "word." Jesus is the [lógos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"), the divine expression of God, through whom all things were made and in whom is life and light. The Jewish leaders' inability to hear His word underscores the fallen human condition and its inherent resistance to divine truth. However, Christ's mission is precisely to overcome this spiritual deafness. He declares that His true sheep hear His voice and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), implying that spiritual hearing is a gift granted by the Shepherd. Through His atoning work, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides the means for reconciliation with God, opening spiritual ears and eyes that were once closed. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")), illuminates the truth of Christ's words, enabling believers to not only hear but also understand and live by the divine revelation. Thus, John 8:43, while a statement of rejection, serves as a backdrop against which the necessity and glory of Christ's work in granting spiritual perception are magnified.

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 12:39

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

John 12:40

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

John 5:43

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

John 6:60

¶ Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard [this], said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?