John 8:44

KJV

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye {G5210} are {G2075} of {G1537} your father {G3962} the devil {G1228}, and {G2532} the lusts {G1939} of your {G5216} father {G3962} ye will {G2309} do {G4160}. He {G1565} was {G2258} a murderer {G443} from {G575} the beginning {G746}, and {G2532} abode {G2476} not {G3756} in {G1722} the truth {G225}, because {G3754} there is {G2076} no {G3756} truth {G225} in {G1722} him {G846}. When {G3752} he speaketh {G2980} a lie {G5579}, he speaketh {G2980} of {G1537} his own {G2398}: for {G3754} he is {G2076} a liar {G5583}, and {G2532} the father {G3962} of it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You belong to your father, Satan, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. From the start he was a murderer, and he has never stood by the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is speaking in character; because he is a liar — indeed, the inventor of the lie!

Berean Standard Bible

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

American Standard Version

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:44, Jesus delivers a scathing rebuke to the Jewish leaders who oppose Him, directly attributing their murderous intentions and rejection of truth to their spiritual lineage from the devil. He unmasks Satan as a primordial murderer and the quintessential source of all falsehood, revealing his inherent nature as utterly devoid of truth and the originator of lies. This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of evil, the spiritual battle between truth and deception, and the critical importance of spiritual allegiance, contrasting the devil's destructive character with God's life-giving truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and most confrontational statement in a heated exchange between Jesus and a group of Jews who initially believed in Him but then challenged His claims of freedom and divine origin. The preceding verses (John 8:31-43) establish the core conflict: Jesus asserts that true freedom comes from abiding in His word, making one a disciple and truly free from sin. The Jews, relying on their physical descent from Abraham, claim inherent freedom and divine parentage. Jesus systematically dismantles their claims, arguing that their actions—specifically their desire to kill Him—betray their true spiritual father. Their inability to understand His teaching (John 8:43) is presented not as an intellectual failing but a spiritual one, culminating in the direct accusation of John 8:44 that their father is the devil. This verse is the ultimate revelation of the spiritual chasm between Jesus and His adversaries, exposing the demonic influence behind their hardened hearts and murderous intent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society placed immense value on lineage and heritage, particularly descent from Abraham, which was seen as a guarantee of covenantal blessing and a direct relationship with God. The idea of being "children of Abraham" (as claimed in [John 8:33](/john/8-33 "John 8:33 - We are Abraham's Seed")) was central to their identity and perceived righteousness. Jesus' radical assertion that their true "father" was the devil would have been an utterly shocking and blasphemous insult, directly challenging their most cherished beliefs about themselves and their relationship with God. This accusation was not merely a personal attack but a profound theological indictment, suggesting that their actions and desires were diametrically opposed to the character of God and aligned instead with the forces of evil. It highlights the cultural tension between outward religious observance and true spiritual transformation, a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry.
* **Key Themes:** John 8:44 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. The primary theme is **Spiritual Lineage and Allegiance**, asserting that true parentage is defined not by biological descent but by one's actions, desires, and adherence to truth. The Jews' desire to kill Jesus, the embodiment of truth, reveals their alignment with the devil rather than God, who gives life (as seen in [John 5:21](/john/5-21 "John 5:21 - The Son Gives Life")). Another crucial theme is the **Nature of the Devil**, portrayed here as inherently evil, a "murderer from the beginning," and the "father of lies." This stark characterization contrasts sharply with Jesus, who repeatedly declares Himself to be "the truth" (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). This sets up the fundamental **Conflict Between Truth and Deceit**, a central motif in John, where light (Jesus) exposes darkness (the devil's domain). The passage also underscores the **Gravity of Unbelief**, showing that persistent rejection of Jesus' divine claims is not merely intellectual disagreement but a profound spiritual rebellion rooted in allegiance to evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** (G1228) Derived from a word meaning "to throw across" or "to slander," _diábolos_ literally means "traducer" or "slanderer." It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Satan" (שָׂטָן), signifying an adversary or accuser. In this context, it highlights the devil's primary role as one who falsely accuses, slanders God, and seeks to divide humanity from Him. Jesus uses this term to pinpoint the source of the Jewish leaders' hostility and false accusations against Him.
* **murderer (Greek, _anthrōpoktónos'_):** (G443) A compound word formed from _anthrōpos_ (man) and a root meaning "to kill," this term directly translates to "manslayer." Jesus' use of this word emphasizes the devil's destructive nature and his fundamental opposition to life, pointing to his role in bringing death into the world, both physical and spiritual, from the very inception of sin.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** (G225) This word signifies reality, veracity, and sincerity, the opposite of falsehood. When Jesus states "there is no truth in him" and "he is a liar, and the father of it," He is describing the devil's intrinsic nature as utterly devoid of genuine reality or integrity. The devil's essence is falsehood, making him the ultimate source and progenitor of all deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye are of your father the devil":** Jesus directly and unequivocally states the spiritual origin of His opponents. This is not a biological accusation but a profound theological declaration that their spiritual parentage is not God, as they claimed, but the devil. Their actions and desires align with the devil's nature, revealing their true spiritual allegiance. The phrase "of your father" implies a shared nature and a common will.
* **"and the lusts of your father ye will do":** This clause explains *how* their spiritual parentage is manifest. The word "lusts" (Greek, _epithymía_) refers to strong desires or cravings, often with a negative connotation (concupiscence). Jesus asserts that these individuals are not merely influenced by the devil but are actively inclined and determined to fulfill his malevolent desires, such as the desire to kill Jesus (John 8:37, 40). Their will is aligned with the devil's will.
* **"He was a murderer from the beginning":** Jesus begins to describe the devil's character. "From the beginning" (Greek, _apó archḗs_) refers to the very start of human history or the inception of evil. This points to the devil's role in the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, which introduced sin and death into the world, and specifically to the first murder of Abel by Cain (Genesis 4), instigated by evil. The devil's nature is fundamentally destructive and life-hating.
* **"and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him":** This phrase further defines the devil's nature. "Abode not in the truth" (Greek, _ouk estē en tē alētheia_) implies a deliberate failure to stand or remain in truth, possibly referencing his original fall from a state of truth (e.g., as an angel before his rebellion). The subsequent clause, "because there is no truth in him," clarifies that this departure was not merely an act but stems from his very being; truth is fundamentally absent from his nature. He is intrinsically antithetical to truth.
* **"When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it":** This final clause solidifies the devil's identity as the ultimate source of all falsehood. When the devil lies, he is not speaking something external to himself but expressing his own inherent nature. He is not just someone who tells lies; he *is* a liar by nature, and the "father of it" (Greek, _patḗr autou_) means he is the originator, the progenitor, and the ultimate source of all lies and deception. This contrasts sharply with God, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and Jesus, who is the Truth.

#### Literary Devices
John 8:44 is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. **Metaphor** is central, as Jesus uses the familial relationship of "father" and "children" to describe spiritual allegiance rather than biological descent, starkly contrasting God as a loving Father with the devil as a malevolent one. The repeated use of "father" and "lusts" (or desires) creates a powerful **Parallelism**, highlighting how the actions of the Jewish leaders mirror the character of their spiritual progenitor. **Antithesis** is prominent throughout, setting up a sharp contrast between truth and lies, life and murder, God's nature and the devil's nature. The strong, direct language employed by Jesus, calling them "children of the devil," can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or extreme rhetoric, designed to shock and expose the profound spiritual reality behind their opposition. Finally, the verse provides a vivid **Characterization** of the devil, painting a definitive portrait of his essence as intrinsically murderous and deceitful, a figure entirely opposed to God's character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:44 offers profound theological insights into the nature of evil, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the decisive importance of truth. It reveals that evil is not merely an absence of good but an active, destructive force originating from a malevolent spiritual being, the devil, whose very essence is antithetical to God's truth and life. This verse underscores the biblical teaching that humanity is divided into two spiritual families: those who are "of God" and those who are "of the devil," distinguished by their allegiance, desires, and response to truth. It highlights that sin, at its core, is a manifestation of desires aligned with the devil's destructive will, leading to spiritual death and hostility toward God's light. The absolute opposition between the devil's lies and God's truth establishes a framework for understanding the ongoing spiritual conflict in the world and the necessity of discerning truth from falsehood.

* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Devil's Works")
* [Genesis 3:1-7](/genesis/3-1-7 "Genesis 3:1-7 - The Serpent's Deception")
* [Ephesians 6:11-12](/ephesians/6-11-12 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Armor of God Against Spiritual Forces")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 8:44 is a challenging but vital passage that compels us to deeply examine our own spiritual allegiance and the source of our desires. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that our actions and the inclinations of our hearts reveal whose "lusts" we are ultimately fulfilling. In a world saturated with misinformation and moral relativism, Jesus' stark declaration about the "father of lies" serves as a powerful call to discernment. We are reminded that deception is not merely an intellectual error but a spiritual weapon wielded by the enemy to lead us away from God's truth and life. Therefore, cultivating a deep love for and commitment to God's Word, which is truth, becomes paramount. This verse also highlights the gravity of persistent unbelief and rejection of Christ, revealing it as a profound spiritual misalignment rather than a mere intellectual disagreement. It challenges us to pray for those who are blinded by deception and to boldly proclaim the truth of Christ, knowing that only He can set captives free from the devil's dominion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lusts" or desires in my own life might indicate an alignment with worldly or even demonic influences, rather than with God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper love for and commitment to God's truth, especially in an age of widespread misinformation and subjective realities?**
* **In what ways do I see the "murderous" and "lying" nature of the devil manifested in the world today, and how should I respond as a follower of Christ?**
* **How does understanding the devil as the "father of lies" impact my approach to spiritual warfare and my reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment?**

### FAQ

**What does "murderer from the beginning" refer to?**

Answer: When Jesus calls the devil a "murderer from the beginning," He is referring to the very dawn of human history and the introduction of sin and death into the world. This points primarily to the events in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"), where the serpent (the devil) deceived Adam and Eve, leading to their spiritual death and expulsion from the Garden of Eden, thereby introducing mortality and suffering to humanity. It also implicitly refers to the first physical murder, that of Abel by Cain, which was a direct consequence of sin and evil influencing human hearts (see [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")). The devil's nature is inherently destructive and life-hating, contrasting sharply with God, who is the author of life.

**How can Jesus say they are "of their father the devil"?**

Answer: Jesus is not suggesting a literal, biological parentage, but a spiritual one. In Jewish thought, and throughout the Bible, "father" can denote the source or originator of one's character, actions, or spiritual identity. By saying "you are of your father the devil," Jesus means that the Jewish leaders' desires, intentions, and actions—specifically their murderous intent towards Him and their rejection of His truth—are perfectly aligned with the devil's character and will. They are acting as the devil's children, carrying out his agenda, because their hearts and wills are fundamentally opposed to God and His truth, just as the devil's are. This is a profound spiritual indictment, revealing that their outward religious observance did not equate to true spiritual kinship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:44, while a stark revelation of the devil's nature and the spiritual state of those who reject Christ, profoundly points to the necessity and glory of Jesus Christ. The devil is revealed as the "father of lies" and a "murderer from the beginning," a being utterly devoid of truth and committed to destruction. In stark contrast, Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, **the truth**, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Where the devil brings death and deception, Jesus offers abundant life and divine truth. The spiritual battle described in this verse finds its ultimate resolution in Christ's victory. He came "to destroy the works of the devil" as stated in [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Works"), and through His death and resurrection, He disarmed the powers of darkness (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). For those who were "children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3) and under the dominion of darkness, Christ offers a new spiritual parentage. Through faith in Him, believers are given the right to become "children of God" (as promised in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")), adopted into His family and empowered by the Spirit to walk in truth and life, rather than fulfilling the lusts of the devil. Thus, John 8:44 underscores the urgent need for salvation and highlights Jesus as the sole deliverer from the dominion of darkness and the one who perfectly embodies and reveals God's saving truth.

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

Acts 13:10

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

John 8:38

¶ I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.