Bible Strands
John 8:49
“I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Jewish accusers who have just charged Him with being a Samaritan and demon-possessed, placing His reply between their insult in John 8:48 and His clarification about seeking the Father’s glory in John 8:50.
The words — The Greek δαιμόνιον (daimonion, “demon”) and τιμῶ (timō, “I honor”) structure His direct denial and counterclaim, contrasting His faithful devotion to God with their contempt.
The thread — The text records Jesus refusing to retaliate against abuse, a pattern later noted in 1 Peter 2:23, while His restraint mirrors the wisdom instruction in Proverbs 26:4 not to answer a fool according to his folly.
Why it lands — The passage states that honoring God requires refusing to mirror the dishonor of opponents, and it asks the reader to adopt that same posture of non-retaliation and steadfast devotion.
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
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
- Philippians 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
- Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
- Isaiah 49:3 He said to Me, “You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will display My glory.”
- Matthew 3:15 “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
- John 8:29 He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”
- John 11:4 When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
- John 12:28 Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
- John 13:31 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.
- John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.