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John 8:46

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 8:46 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:46 — American Standard Version

Context — John 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word.
44Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof.
45But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.
48The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?
49Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and ye dishonor me.
← John 8:45John 8:47 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Which of you convinceth me of sin? etc.] Of any immorality in life, or of any imposture, corruption, or deceit in doctrine. There were many of them that were forward enough to charge him with both scandalous sins, and false doctrines; but none of them all could prove anything against him, so as to convict him according to law: they called him a wine bibber, and a glutton; gave out they knew he was a sinner; charged him with blasphemy and sedition; sought to bring proof of it, but failed in their attempt: and if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? since as no sin in life, so no corruption in doctrine, could be proved against him, what he said must be truth; and therefore it was a most…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Which of you convinceth me of sin--"Convicteth," bringeth home a charge of sin. Glorious dilemma! "Convict Me of sin, and reject Me: If not, why stand ye out against My claims?" Of course, they could only be supposed to impeach His life; but in One who had already passed through unparalleled complications, and had continually to deal with friends and foes of every sort and degree, such a challenge thrown wide among His bitterest enemies, can amount to nothing short of a claim to absolute sinlessness.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Which of you convinceth me? - To convince, with us, means to satisfy a man’s own mind of the truth of anything; but this is not its meaning here. It rather means to convict. Which of you can prove that I am guilty of sin? Of sin - The word “sin” here evidently means “error, falsehood, or imposture.” It stands opposed to truth. The argument of the Saviour is this: A doctrine might be rejected if it could be proved that he that delivered it was an impostor; but as you cannot prove this of me, you are bound to receive my words. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Which of you convicteth me of sin? - And is not my life as unreprovable as my doctrine? Does not my whole behaviour confirm the truth of what I teach? John 8:47”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“convinceth: Joh 8:7, Joh 14:30, Joh 15:10, Joh 16:8; Co2 5:21; Heb 4:15, Heb 7:26; Pe1 2:22 why: Mat 21:25; Mar 11:31 John 8:47”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification