John 8:48

KJV

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} answered {G611} the Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Say {G3004} we {G2249} not {G3756} well {G2573} that {G3754} thou {G4771} art {G1488} a Samaritan {G4541}, and {G2532} hast {G2192} a devil {G1140}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The Judeans answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying you are from Shomron and have a demon?”

Berean Standard Bible

The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”

American Standard Version

The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 8:48 captures a pivotal moment of escalating hostility and spiritual blindness during Jesus' discourse in the Temple, where His Jewish opponents, unable to refute His claims of divine origin and truth, resort to venomous personal attacks. They accuse Him of being a Samaritan and demon-possessed, aiming to discredit His authority and character through slander rather than engaging with the profound spiritual truths He proclaimed. This verse vividly illustrates the profound rejection Jesus faced and the depths of prejudice and misunderstanding among those who opposed Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and intense dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders (and some in the crowd) in [John 8](/john/8 "John 8 - Jesus and the Abrahamic Covenant"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' claims about His divine origin, His relationship with the Father, and His ability to grant spiritual freedom to those who believe. Specifically, in [John 8:47](/john/8-47 "John 8:47 - Hearing God's Words"), Jesus states, "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God." This direct and cutting accusation, implying their spiritual illegitimacy, immediately provokes the furious retort found in [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus"). The accusations hurled at Jesus are not reasoned arguments but rather an emotional, ad hominem attack designed to deflect from the uncomfortable truth of His words and undermine His credibility in the eyes of the people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusations in [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus") are deeply rooted in the historical and cultural tensions of first-century Judea. "Samaritan" was a derogatory term used by Jews for a people group considered ethnically mixed and religiously impure, having their own temple on Mount Gerizim and rejecting much of the Jewish canon and traditions. To call Jesus a Samaritan was to brand Him as an outsider, a heretic, and an enemy of the Jewish people and their sacred traditions. The accusation of "having a devil" (being demon-possessed) was a common charge leveled against Jesus by His opponents throughout His ministry (e.g., [John 7:20](/john/7-20 "John 7:20 - Jesus Accused of Having a Demon"), [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity")). This accusation sought to explain away His miraculous power and profound teachings as originating from evil forces rather than from God, thereby undermining His divine authority and Messianic claims.
* **Key Themes:** [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus") contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **intense opposition to Jesus**, demonstrating the profound rejection and antagonism Jesus faced from those who refused to believe in Him, often escalating from questioning to outright verbal abuse and slander. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness and misunderstanding**, as the accusers are fundamentally unable to grasp Jesus' true identity or the spiritual truth of His teachings, preferring baseless insults over seeking understanding. This spiritual inability to perceive truth is a recurring motif in John, particularly in the conflict narratives of [John 8](/john/8 "John 8 - Jesus and the Abrahamic Covenant") and [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). Finally, the verse exemplifies the theme of **truth confronting falsehood**, where Jesus' divine truth is met with human lies and prejudice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Greek, _apokrínomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "answered," can also imply "to conclude for oneself" or "to begin to speak where an address is expected." In this context, it signifies a decisive, albeit hostile, response from the Jews, not merely a reply but an active counter-declaration stemming from their internal judgment and animosity towards Jesus.
* **Samaritan (Greek, _Samareítēs'_):** Derived from "Samaria," this term designates an inhabitant of Samaria. As noted in the cultural context, it was a profound ethnic and religious slur in Jewish society, implying impurity, heresy, and disloyalty to the true worship of God in Jerusalem. To call Jesus a Samaritan was to strip Him of any perceived legitimacy within the Jewish faith and community.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This word refers to a demonic being or, by extension, a deity. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes an evil spirit or demon. The accusation "hast a devil" means Jesus is believed to be possessed by or under the influence of an evil spirit, explaining His extraordinary powers and teachings as originating from satanic rather than divine sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then answered the Jews, and said unto him":** This clause sets the scene for the Jewish leaders' immediate and aggressive retort. Their "answer" is not a reasoned theological debate but a reactive outburst, indicative of their deep-seated animosity and frustration with Jesus' claims. The phrase "the Jews" here likely refers specifically to the hostile religious authorities and their followers who were actively opposing Jesus.
* **"Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan":** This is the first of two grave accusations. The rhetorical question "Say we not well" implies that their accusation is a widely accepted and justified conclusion. Calling Jesus a "Samaritan" was a calculated insult, designed to delegitimize Him by associating Him with a despised and heretical group, thereby alienating Him from the Jewish people and their religious heritage.
* **"and hast a devil?":** The second accusation, equally severe, charges Jesus with demon possession. This was a common tactic by His opponents to explain away His miracles and authoritative teaching, attributing His power to evil rather than divine sources. It was an attempt to portray Him as dangerous, insane, and an agent of Satan, further discrediting His claims to be from God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the intensity of the confrontation. **Ad Hominem** is prominently featured, as the opponents attack Jesus' character and supposed identity ("Samaritan," "devil") rather than the substance of His theological claims. This is a form of **Slander** and **Calumny**, aiming to defame and discredit through false and malicious accusations. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("Say we not well...") is intended not to elicit an answer but to assert their conviction and rally support for their accusations, implying that their judgment is self-evident and correct. The accusations themselves are a form of **Hyperbole** and **Exaggeration**, designed to shock and outrage, presenting Jesus in the worst possible light. These devices collectively underscore the deep spiritual animosity and intellectual dishonesty of Jesus' accusers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:48 reveals the profound spiritual chasm between Jesus and His opponents, illustrating how those blinded by prejudice and pride will resort to the most egregious forms of slander rather than acknowledge divine truth. The accusations of being a "Samaritan" and "demon-possessed" are not random insults; they are carefully chosen to attack Jesus' identity, lineage, and source of power, directly challenging His claims to be the Son of God. This passage highlights the enduring reality that divine truth often provokes intense hostility from those unwilling to submit to it, leading to character assassination and baseless condemnation. It foreshadows the ultimate rejection Jesus would face, culminating in His crucifixion, born out of similar false accusations and spiritual blindness.

* [John 7:20](/john/7-20 "John 7:20 - Jesus Accused of Having a Demon")
* [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity")
* [Matthew 10:25](/matthew/10-25 "Matthew 10:25 - Disciples Will Be Like Their Master")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The accusations leveled against Jesus in John 8:48 serve as a stark reminder that proclaiming divine truth often invites fierce opposition, slander, and misunderstanding from a world that rejects God's word. Jesus, who embodied truth and grace, was met with baseless insults and spiritual attacks, demonstrating that fidelity to God's kingdom principles may lead to similar experiences for His followers. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to dismiss or slander those who speak uncomfortable truths, or do we humbly seek to understand and discern? It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that prejudice and pride can blind us to the presence and work of God. Furthermore, Jesus' response (in subsequent verses) exemplifies divine composure and unwavering focus on His mission, even in the face of extreme provocation. We are called to emulate His example, responding to hostility not with retaliation, but with grace, truth, and steadfastness in our commitment to Christ. This verse ultimately serves as a powerful illustration of the spiritual battle at play and the lengths to which some will go to resist divine truth, even resorting to personal attacks and character assassination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when my beliefs or character are unjustly attacked for my faith?**
* **In what ways might spiritual blindness or prejudice prevent me from truly hearing and understanding God's truth, whether from Scripture or through others?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Jesus' example of responding to slander and opposition, and how can I apply them in my own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was being called a "Samaritan" such a severe insult to Jesus?**

Answer: Being called a "Samaritan" was a profound insult because Samaritans were a group despised by the Jews of that era. They were considered ethnically mixed, religiously impure, and heretical, having their own temple on Mount Gerizim and rejecting much of the Jewish canon and traditions. For a Jew, to be associated with Samaritans was to be branded an outcast, disloyal to Jewish heritage, and certainly not a legitimate prophet or the Messiah. The accusation aimed to strip Jesus of any credibility and alienate Him from the Jewish people, implying He was an enemy of their faith and traditions, as seen in the broader context of [John 8](/john/8 "John 8 - Jesus and the Abrahamic Covenant").

**What did the accusation "hast a devil" imply about Jesus?**

Answer: The accusation "hast a devil" (or "is demon-possessed") implied that Jesus was under the influence or control of an evil spirit. This was a common charge leveled against Jesus by His detractors throughout His ministry (e.g., [John 7:20](/john/7-20 "John 7:20 - Jesus Accused of Having a Demon"), [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Division Over Jesus' Identity")). It served as a malicious explanation for His miraculous powers and challenging teachings, suggesting that His authority and abilities derived from demonic forces rather than from God. This accusation was a direct attempt to invalidate His divine claims and portray Him as dangerous, mad, or an agent of Satan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:48, with its venomous accusations against Jesus, profoundly foreshadows and participates in His Christ-centered fulfillment as the suffering Messiah. The very insults hurled at Him—being called a "Samaritan" (an outcast and heretic) and "demon-possessed" (an agent of evil)—prefigure the ultimate rejection and false condemnation He would endure on the cross. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly subjected Himself to such slander, identifying with the marginalized and the falsely accused. His silent endurance and steadfast focus on His Father's will, even in the face of these egregious lies, exemplify the perfect Lamb of God who was "oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). This passage reminds us that the world's hatred for God's truth is ultimately directed at Christ Himself, who became "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Through His willingness to be maligned and misunderstood, Jesus perfectly fulfills the prophetic picture of the suffering servant, making Him the ultimate example for His followers who are called to bear similar reproach for His name's sake, knowing that "if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples")). His experience of unjust accusation culminates in His atoning sacrifice, where He, though innocent, was "numbered with the transgressors" ([Luke 22:37](/luk/22-37 "Luke 22:37 - Jesus Among Transgressors")).

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 7:20

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

John 8:52

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Matthew 10:25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?

Matthew 15:7

[Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.