John 8:55

KJV

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet {G2532} ye have {G1097} not {G3756} known {G1097} him {G846}; but {G1161} I {G1473} know {G1492} him {G846}: and {G2532} if {G1437} I should say {G2036},{G3754} I know {G1492} him {G846} not {G3756}, I shall be {G2071} a liar {G5583} like {G3664} unto you {G5216}: but {G235} I know {G1492} him {G846}, and {G2532} keep {G5083} his {G846} saying {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now you have not known him, but I do know him; indeed, if I were to say that I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you! But I do know him, and I obey his word.

Berean Standard Bible

You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word.

American Standard Version

and ye have not known him: but I know him; and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be like unto you, a liar: but I know him, and keep his word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 8:55, Jesus makes a profound declaration of His unique, intimate, and perfect knowledge of God the Father, starkly contrasting it with the spiritual ignorance and self-deception of the Jewish religious leaders. He asserts His absolute integrity and truthfulness, affirming that His claim to know God is validated by His unwavering obedience to the Father's will and word, thereby exposing His adversaries' spiritual blindness and their refusal to embrace divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within one of the most intense and protracted debates between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities recorded in the Gospel of John, specifically in chapter 8. The entire chapter is a theological and spiritual confrontation where Jesus repeatedly asserts His divine identity, His origin from God, and His unique relationship with the Father, while the Jewish leaders consistently challenge His claims, misinterpret His words, and accuse Him of various offenses. The immediate preceding verses involve Jesus' declaration that Abraham rejoiced to see His day ([John 8:56](/john/8-56 "John 8:56 - Abraham Saw My Day")), which further escalates the tension. Their inability to comprehend Jesus' "speech" or "word" ([John 8:43](/john/8-43 "John 8:43 - Why You Do Not Understand My Speech")) is a recurring theme, highlighting their spiritual deafness to divine truth. This verse serves as a climactic statement by Jesus, directly addressing their false claims of knowing God while simultaneously affirming His own unparalleled intimacy with the Father.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this discourse is the Temple treasury during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great spiritual significance and nationalistic fervor. The Jewish leaders, primarily Pharisees, prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law and their covenant relationship with God, often appealing to their lineage from Abraham as proof of their spiritual standing ([John 8:33](/john/8-33 "John 8:33 - We Are Abraham's Seed")). They believed they had exclusive access to God through their adherence to tradition and the Mosaic Law. Jesus' claims challenged their entire religious framework, implying that their "knowledge" of God was superficial and their lineage did not guarantee spiritual insight. The cultural expectation was for a Messiah who would liberate Israel politically, not one who would claim divine Sonship and challenge their spiritual authority, leading to their profound misunderstanding and hostility.

* **Key Themes:** John 8:55 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Truth vs. Falsehood**, as Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), directly accuses His opponents of being "liars" because they claim to know God but do not. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Blindness vs. Divine Revelation**, demonstrating that despite their religious zeal, the Jewish leaders were spiritually incapable of recognizing God's Son and His truth, while Jesus perfectly embodies and reveals the Father. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Unique Sonship and Intimacy of Jesus with the Father**, establishing that Jesus possesses an unparalleled, inherent knowledge of God that is foundational to His identity and mission. Finally, the verse links **Knowledge of God with Obedience**, asserting that true knowledge is not merely intellectual but is demonstrated and proven by a life of faithful adherence to God's "saying" or word, a principle Jesus perfectly exemplifies and calls His followers to emulate ([John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - He Who Has My Commandments and Keeps Them")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb (G1097) signifies a deep, experiential, and personal knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. In the perfect tense, as used here ("ye have not known"), it implies a settled, complete, and ongoing state of not knowing. It means to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications, including to allow, be aware (of), feel, have knowledge, perceive, be resolved, or understand. Jesus contrasts this profound, relational knowledge with the superficial understanding of the Jewish leaders, highlighting their lack of true intimacy with God.
* **liar (Greek, _pseústēs'_):** This noun (G5583) directly translates to "a falsifier." Jesus uses this term to describe the Jewish leaders, asserting that if He were to deny His intimate knowledge of the Father, He would be as deceitful as they are. This is a powerful and direct accusation, implying that their claims of knowing God, while rejecting His Son, are fundamentally false and misleading. It underscores the profound chasm between their self-perception and their spiritual reality.
* **keep (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This verb (G5083) means to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon), to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command), or to maintain. When Jesus says He "keep[s] his saying," it denotes active, diligent, and continuous obedience to the Father's word and will. It is not a passive reception but an active preservation and adherence. This word emphasizes that Jesus' perfect knowledge of the Father is intrinsically linked to and demonstrated by His perfect obedience, serving as the ultimate proof of His divine relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet ye have not known him;"**: Jesus directly confronts the Jewish leaders' false assumption of knowing God. The Greek verb for "known" (G1097, *ginōskō*) is in the perfect tense, indicating a settled, complete, and ongoing lack of true, experiential knowledge. Despite their religious heritage, their study of the Law, and their claims of being God's children, Jesus declares that they do not possess an authentic, intimate relationship with the Father. Their knowledge is superficial, intellectual, or based on external adherence, not on a transformative encounter with the living God.
* **"but I know him:"**: In stark contrast, Jesus asserts His own perfect and unique knowledge of the Father. The verb "know" here (G1492, *eídō*) also implies a deep, intuitive, and experiential understanding, often associated with seeing or perceiving. This is not merely an intellectual understanding but an inherent, relational intimacy that stems from His divine Sonship. This statement is a direct claim to His unparalleled relationship with God, a relationship that is foundational to His identity and authority.
* **"and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you:"**: Jesus emphasizes His absolute truthfulness and integrity. He presents a hypothetical scenario: if He were to deny His intimate knowledge of the Father, He would be guilty of the same falsehood and spiritual deception that characterizes His adversaries. By calling them "liar" (G5583, *pseústēs*), Jesus directly accuses them of misrepresenting God and themselves, highlighting their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy. His own truthfulness is inextricably linked to His divine identity and His perfect revelation of the Father.
* **"but I know him, and keep his saying."**: Jesus reiterates His intimate knowledge of the Father, reinforcing the preceding assertion. The crucial addition, "and keep his saying," provides the ultimate validation of His claim. The word "keep" (G5083, *tēréō*) signifies active, diligent obedience and preservation. Jesus' perfect and continuous adherence to the Father's word (G3056, *lógos*) and will is the tangible proof of His unique relationship and knowledge. This clause also serves as a profound principle for all who claim to know God: true knowledge is always demonstrated through faithful obedience.

#### Literary Devices
John 8:55 is rich with literary devices that amplify Jesus' message and the dramatic tension of the confrontation. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, as Jesus repeatedly sets His perfect, intimate knowledge of the Father against the superficial, false knowledge of the Jewish leaders. This creates a stark dichotomy between divine truth and human error. **Irony** is also present, as the religious leaders, who pride themselves on their spiritual insight and lineage, are exposed as spiritually blind and ignorant of the very God they claim to serve. Jesus' declaration, "I shall be a liar like unto you," employs a form of **Hyperbole** or a strong **Analogy** to underscore the severity of their spiritual condition and the absolute truth of His own claims. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Assertion** of Jesus' divine authority and unique relationship with the Father, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding His identity and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:55 provides profound theological insights into the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, and the essence of true faith. It reveals that genuine knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent or adherence to external religious practices, but a deep, personal, and experiential relationship, epitomized by Jesus' perfect intimacy with the Father. This verse underscores the unique Sonship of Jesus, affirming His pre-existence and inherent union with God, making Him the ultimate revealer of the Father. Furthermore, it establishes a critical theological principle: true knowledge of God is intrinsically linked to obedience to His word. Jesus' perfect "keeping" of the Father's "saying" serves as the validation of His divine claims and sets the standard for authentic discipleship. To reject Jesus is to reject the only means by which one can truly know the Father, leading to spiritual blindness and a state of being a "liar" concerning divine truth.

* [1 John 2:3-4](/1_john/2-3-4 "1 John 2:3-4 - Knowing God Through Obedience")
* [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 8:55 challenges every believer to deeply examine the nature of their relationship with God. Do we genuinely "know" Him in a profound, experiential way, or do we merely possess intellectual knowledge about Him? Jesus' words serve as a potent reminder that true knowledge of God is inseparable from active obedience to His "saying"—His word, His commands, and His will. Our claims to faith and relationship with God are validated not by religious titles or outward appearances, but by the consistent alignment of our lives with His truth. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a vibrant, living intimacy with God that transforms our character and shapes our actions. It compels us to cultivate a heart that desires to "keep His saying" as a natural outflow of our love and knowledge of Him, mirroring, albeit imperfectly, the perfect obedience of Christ. This requires humility, a willingness to confront our own spiritual blind spots, and a commitment to daily walk in His truth, allowing His word to guide and govern every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I claim to "know" God without truly experiencing Him in a deep, personal relationship?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am actively "keeping His saying" and obeying His word?**
* **What specific areas of my life might reveal a disconnect between my professed knowledge of God and my actual obedience to Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a more intimate and experiential knowledge of God that leads to greater faithfulness and integrity?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "knowledge" is Jesus talking about in John 8:55?**

Answer: Jesus is referring to a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, not merely an intellectual understanding or a superficial acquaintance. The Greek word *ginōskō* (G1097) implies a personal relationship and a profound comprehension that comes from direct encounter and communion. It's the kind of knowledge that transforms one's being and leads to conformity with the known. In contrast, the Jewish leaders possessed a theoretical knowledge of God's law and attributes, but they lacked the spiritual insight and relational intimacy to recognize God's Son, Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father. Jesus' knowledge of the Father is unique because it is inherent to His divine nature, as He is one with the Father ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father Are One")).

**Why does Jesus call the Jewish leaders "liars" if He were to deny knowing the Father?**

Answer: Jesus uses this strong language to emphasize His absolute truthfulness and to highlight the spiritual deception of His adversaries. The Jewish leaders claimed to know God and to be His children ([John 8:41](/john/8-41 "John 8:41 - We Have One Father, Even God")), yet they rejected Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father. Their claim to know God was therefore a falsehood, a lie, because they refused to acknowledge the very One sent by God. Jesus states that if He were to deny His unique, intimate knowledge of the Father, He would be perpetrating a similar deception, aligning Himself with their spiritual dishonesty. His integrity is tied to speaking the absolute truth about His divine relationship and identity.

**How does "keeping His saying" relate to knowing God?**

Answer: For Jesus, "keeping His saying" (G5083, *tēréō*, and G3056, *lógos*) is the tangible, undeniable proof of genuine knowledge and relationship with God. It signifies active, consistent, and obedient adherence to the Father's will and word. This principle is foundational throughout the New Testament: true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through a life of faithful obedience. Jesus perfectly exemplifies this, as His entire life was one of complete submission and obedience to the Father's will ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - I Seek Not My Own Will")). For believers, this means that our claim to know God must be validated by our willingness to follow His commands and live according to His truth. As [1 John 2:3](/1_john/2-3 "1 John 2:3 - Knowing God Through Obedience") states, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:55 is a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest need: to truly know God. In His perfect knowledge of the Father and His unwavering obedience to "His saying," Jesus embodies the ideal relationship between God and humanity, a relationship lost in the Fall. He is the unique Son who perfectly reveals the Father, making Him known in a way no prophet or law could ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bridges the chasm created by sin, offering humanity the opportunity to enter into the very knowledge and relationship with God that He perfectly possesses. His obedience, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedient to Death")), fulfills the Father's will and provides the means for our reconciliation. Now, through faith in Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to "keep His saying" and progressively grow in their experiential knowledge of God, becoming children who truly know their Father, just as Jesus promised ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - If Anyone Loves Me, He Will Keep My Word")).

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 8:19

Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

John 7:28

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

John 7:29

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

John 8:44

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.

John 8:51

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.