New Testament
John 8:44
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"Your father is the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He has been a murderer from the very beginning and has never stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the originator of lies.
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Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode 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 of it.
What John 8:44 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus confronts those who oppose him, stating that their true spiritual lineage is not from God but from the devil. He describes the devil as a murderer and a liar, emphasizing that he has always rejected the truth. The devil's nature is to deceive, and those who follow him are inclined to do the same. This passage highlights the stark contrast between truth and falsehood, illustrating the consequences of aligning oneself with evil. Jesus is making it clear that the actions and desires of these individuals reflect their allegiance to the devil rather than to God. By calling them children of the devil, he underscores the seriousness of their spiritual condition and the need for repentance and a return to the truth.
How to apply John 8:44 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and motivations. Are we living in truth, or are we influenced by deceit? It encourages us to seek honesty in our words and actions, aligning ourselves with God's truth rather than the lies of the world.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying John 8:44
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 8:44 mean?
John 8:44 means that Jesus is telling his opponents that their true spiritual father is the devil, highlighting their alignment with evil rather than God. He describes the devil as a murderer and a liar, emphasizing the importance of truth.
What is the meaning of 'father is the devil' in John 8:44?
The phrase 'father is the devil' in John 8:44 indicates that those who oppose Jesus are influenced by evil and deception, showing their spiritual lineage is not from God but from the devil.
How does John 8:44 relate to truth and lies?
John 8:44 illustrates the conflict between truth and lies by portraying the devil as the source of deception. It serves as a reminder to seek truth in our lives and avoid the influences of falsehood.
What themes are present in John 8:44?
Key themes in John 8:44 include spiritual lineage, the contrast between truth and lies, deception, and the need for repentance. It highlights the serious consequences of aligning with evil.
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