Bible Strands
John 8:39
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Jewish opponents in Jerusalem who have just asserted Abraham as their father. This dialogue follows his contrast between the Father whose words he speaks and the father whose actions they are performing.
The words — The Greek Ἀπεκρίθησαν (Apekrithēsan) records their reply, while πατήρ (patēr) and Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) anchor their identity claim. Jesus frames a conditional statement that ties claimed lineage to observable conduct.
The thread — The tension between claimed descent and actual behavior runs through John 8:37 and 8:40, where Jesus notes their attempt to kill him contradicts Abraham’s character. Paul later clarifies that true children of Abraham are defined by faith rather than biological descent (Galatians 3:7; Romans 9:7).
Why it lands — The text demands that religious claims be verified by corresponding actions. It asks readers to examine whether their stated identity produces the observable works associated with that identity.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Cross-references
- Galatians 3:7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham.
- John 8:37 I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you.
- Romans 9:7 Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”
- Romans 2:28 A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
- Matthew 3:9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
- Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
- Romans 4:12 And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
- Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
- Galatians 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
- James 2:22 You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did.