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John 8:53

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 8:53 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?
John 8:53 — American Standard Version

Context — John 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
50But I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.
52The Jews said unto him, Now we know that thou hast a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my word, he shall never taste of death.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?
54Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God;
55and 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.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.
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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
“Art thou greater than our father Abraham? etc.] So the woman of Samaria said, concerning Jacob, (<430412>John 4:12). The Jews had a mighty opinion of their ancestors, especially of Abraham; and yet they allow the Messiah to be greater than he, as Jesus truly was: so one of their ancient commentators f403 on those words of (<235213>Isaiah 52:13) thus paraphrases them, ““Behold my servant shall deal prudently”, this is the King Messiah; “he shall be exalted” above Abraham, as it is written, (<011422>Genesis 14:22), “and extolled” above Moses, as it is written, (<041112>Numbers 11:12), and he shall be higher than the ministering angels, as it is written, (<260126>Ezekiel 1:26 <380407>Zechariah…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Whom makest thou thyself? - Or, who dost thou pretend to be? Although the greatest of the prophets have died, yet thou a Nazarene, a Samaritan, and a devil pretendest that thou canst keep thy followers from dying! It would have been scarcely possible to ask a question implying more contempt and scorn. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:53 Who do you think you are? This question was antagonistic and aggressive. However, if Jesus is immortal, ruling over life and death, then he is greater than Abraham, the prophets, or any of the greatest people in Israel’s history (8:58).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thou greater: Joh 8:58, Joh 4:12, Joh 10:29, Joh 10:30, Joh 12:34; Isa 9:6; Mat 12:6, Mat 12:41, Mat 12:42; Rom 9:5; Heb 3:2, Heb 3:3; Heb 7:1-7 whom: Joh 5:18, Joh 10:33, Joh 19:7 John 8:54”
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Related study paths

Read John 8 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification