John 8:59

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} took they up {G142} stones {G3037} to {G2443} cast {G906} at {G1909} him {G846}: but {G1161} Jesus {G2424} hid himself {G2928}, and {G2532} went {G1831} out of {G1537} the temple {G2411}, going {G1330} through {G1223} the midst {G3319} of them {G846}, and {G2532} so {G3779} passed by {G3855}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this, they picked up stones to throw at him; but Yeshua was hidden and left the Temple grounds.

Berean Standard Bible

At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.

American Standard Version

They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 8:59 captures a pivotal moment of escalating hostility between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, immediately following His profound declaration of eternal divine identity. Their violent reaction, an attempt to stone Him for perceived blasphemy, is met not with physical resistance, but with Jesus' miraculous and unhindered departure from the temple, underscoring His sovereign control over His own life and mission, and the divine protection that shielded Him until His appointed "hour."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a lengthy and intense discourse between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, particularly the Pharisees, in [John 8](/john/8 "John Chapter 8 - Jesus and the Truth"). The preceding verses detail Jesus' claims to be the light of the world, His divine origin, and His unique relationship with the Father. The climax arrives in [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I AM"), where Jesus unequivocally declares, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." This statement is a direct echo of God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"), asserting not merely pre-existence, but eternal, self-existent deity. The crowd's immediate and violent response in [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempted Stoning of Jesus") is a direct consequence of this perceived blasphemy, which, under Mosaic Law, was punishable by death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Temple in Jerusalem, a sacred space where such a claim would be considered an ultimate affront to God's holiness. Stoning was the prescribed method of execution for serious offenses like blasphemy ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Law on Blasphemy")). The Jewish leaders, deeply rooted in their monotheistic tradition and zealous for the Law, viewed Jesus' claim as an outrageous usurpation of God's unique identity. Their immediate action of picking up stones demonstrates not only their profound offense but also their belief that Jesus had condemned Himself by His own words. This incident highlights the deep chasm between Jesus' understanding of His divine person and the rigid, often legalistic, interpretations of the religious elite.
* **Key Themes:** [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempted Stoning of Jesus") powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Claim and Rejection**, where Jesus' clear assertions of His deity are met with hardened unbelief and violent opposition. Secondly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Sovereignty and Divine Protection**. His unhindered escape, despite the crowd's murderous intent, signals that His life is not subject to human will but is under the Father's control until His appointed "hour" ([John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come")). Finally, this event is another significant marker in the **Escalating Conflict** between Jesus and the religious authorities, a conflict that will ultimately lead to His crucifixion, a death He willingly embraces on His own terms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took they up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb (G142) signifies "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away." In this context, it vividly portrays the immediate, spontaneous, and violent intent of the crowd. They did not deliberate or seek official judgment; rather, they instantly "lifted up" stones, ready to execute what they perceived as divine justice for blasphemy. This action reveals the depth of their outrage and their conviction that Jesus' claim warranted immediate capital punishment.
* **hid himself (Greek, _krýptō'_):** The verb (G2928) means "to conceal (properly, by covering)." While it can mean physical concealment, in this specific context, given Jesus' subsequent unhindered movement through a hostile crowd, it carries a strong implication of supernatural concealment or divine invisibility. Jesus was not merely ducking behind an object; rather, He was supernaturally made unseen or unnoticed by those who sought to harm Him, demonstrating His divine power and control over the situation.
* **passed by (Greek, _parágō'_):** This verb (G3855) means "to lead near, i.e. (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away." Here, it emphasizes Jesus' unhindered and deliberate departure. Despite the surrounding danger and the crowd's murderous intent, Jesus "went along" or "passed by" them without impediment. This further reinforces the idea of His divine authority and protection, as He was able to move freely through the very people who sought His death, signifying that His "hour" had not yet come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then took they up stones to cast at him:"** This clause describes the immediate and visceral reaction of the Jewish leaders and the crowd to Jesus' "I AM" declaration. The act of "taking up stones" indicates a spontaneous, violent, and extra-legal attempt to execute Jesus for what they considered blatant blasphemy, a capital offense under Mosaic Law. Their intent was lethal and immediate.
* **"but Jesus hid himself,"** This marks a dramatic shift in the narrative. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast to the crowd's aggression. Jesus' action of "hiding himself" is not presented as a fearful retreat, but as a supernatural act of divine evasion, rendering Him unseen or unnoticed by His would-be assailants.
* **"and went out of the temple,"** Following His supernatural concealment, Jesus calmly and deliberately departed from the sacred precincts of the Temple. This exit signifies His physical removal from the immediate danger, but also, symbolically, His departure from a system and a people who had rejected His divine claims and sought His death.
* **"going through the midst of them, and so passed by."** This final phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of His escape. Jesus did not flee in secret or through a hidden passage; He moved "through the midst" of the very crowd that was armed and ready to stone Him. His unhindered "passing by" underscores His sovereign control and divine protection, demonstrating that no human power could thwart His mission or take His life before His appointed time.

#### Literary Devices
John 8:59 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the Jewish leaders attempt to stone Jesus for blasphemy, unaware that He is indeed the very God whose name they are defending. Their actions, intended to uphold the Law, unwittingly fulfill prophecy and highlight their spiritual blindness to the true identity of the Messiah. The passage also employs powerful **Symbolism**: the "stones" represent the Mosaic Law's judgment and the human desire for retribution, contrasting sharply with Jesus' divine authority and supernatural evasion. This evasion itself functions as a form of **Divine Intervention** or **Supernatural Concealment**, demonstrating Jesus' inherent power over physical circumstances and human will. It is not a mere act of stealth, but a display of His sovereignty, indicating that His "hour" to suffer had not yet arrived. The narrative structure, moving from intense confrontation to Jesus' unhindered departure, creates a sense of **Climax and Resolution**, albeit a temporary one, in the ongoing conflict between light and darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:59 profoundly illustrates the tension between divine truth and human rejection, a central theme throughout the Gospel of John. Jesus' declaration of "I AM" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim")) was a direct claim to eternal deity, echoing the covenant name of God revealed to Moses ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'")). The violent reaction of the Jewish leaders underscores their spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, as they failed to recognize God incarnate standing before them. This incident also highlights Jesus' absolute sovereignty over His own life and death; He could not be taken by force, for His "hour" was determined by the Father, not by human malice. His miraculous escape foreshadows His ultimate, voluntary surrender to death on the cross, demonstrating that His life was "laid down" by His own will, not taken from Him.

* [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come")
* [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")
* [Luke 4:29-30](/luke/4-29-30 "Luke 4:29-30 - Jesus Escapes Nazareth Mob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 8:59 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that proclaiming the truth of Jesus' divine identity can still provoke strong opposition, just as it did in His time. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we open to the radical claims of Christ, even when they disrupt our preconceived notions or challenge our traditions? Jesus' calm and sovereign departure, despite the murderous intent of the crowd, serves as a powerful reminder of God's perfect timing and divine protection. We are called to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that our lives are ultimately in His hands, and no human opposition can thwart His ultimate purposes. Furthermore, this incident underscores the critical importance of truly understanding who Jesus is—not just a good teacher or prophet, but the eternal "I AM," God incarnate. Our acceptance or rejection of this foundational truth shapes our entire spiritual journey and determines our eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "I AM" declaration in [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' 'I AM' Statement") challenge our understanding of His identity, and what implications does it have for our faith?**
* **In what situations today might proclaiming the truth of Jesus' divinity be met with rejection or hostility, and how should believers respond?**
* **What comfort and assurance can we draw from Jesus' sovereign control over His life and His miraculous escape in [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus' Divine Evasion"), particularly when facing opposition or danger?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Jewish leaders want to stone Jesus immediately after His statement?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders understood Jesus' declaration "Before Abraham was, I AM" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' 'I AM' Declaration")) as a direct and audacious claim to divine identity. The phrase "I AM" (Greek: _ego eimi_) directly echoes God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"). For a human to claim such a divine name was considered ultimate blasphemy, a capital offense punishable by stoning under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Law on Blasphemy")). Their immediate attempt to stone Him reflects their profound outrage and their conviction that He had committed a capital crime against God.

**How did Jesus "hide himself" and pass through the midst of them without being caught?**

Answer: The text states that "Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." While the Greek verb _krýptō_ (G2928) can mean physical concealment, the context strongly suggests a miraculous or supernatural act. It's unlikely Jesus simply ducked behind a pillar; rather, He was supernaturally made invisible or unnoticed by the hostile crowd. This demonstrates His divine power and sovereign control over His circumstances. Similar divine evasions are hinted at elsewhere, such as in [Luke 4:29-30](/luke/4-29-30 "Luke 4:29-30 - Jesus Escapes Nazareth Mob"), where He passes through a mob intending to throw Him off a cliff. This was not a fearful escape, but a demonstration that His "hour" ([John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Hour Not Yet Come")) had not yet come, and no one could take His life until He willingly laid it down.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:59, though depicting a moment of intense human rejection, powerfully points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' audacious "I AM" declaration in [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim") is the very heart of His identity as the Son of God, the eternal Word who became flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The crowd's attempt to stone Him, a manifestation of human sin and spiritual blindness, underscores the desperate need for a Savior. Yet, Jesus' miraculous and unhindered departure from their midst reveals His absolute sovereignty over life and death. He could not be taken by force, for His life was not subject to human will, but to the Father's divine timing. This foreshadows His ultimate, voluntary surrender to death on the cross, not as a victim, but as the Lamb of God who willingly lays down His life for the sins of the world ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life") and [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, this passage, even in its depiction of rejection, highlights Jesus' divine authority, His preordained mission, and His ultimate triumph over sin and death through His atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the very purpose for which He came.

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 11:8

[His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

John 10:33

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

John 10:39

¶ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

John 10:40

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

Leviticus 24:16

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death.

Luke 4:29

And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.