John 8:31

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

Images for John 8:31

John 8:31 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him,If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
English Standard Version (ESV)
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
New Living Translation (NLT)
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
The Message Bible (MSG)
31 Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure.
American Standard Version (ASV)
31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, [then] are ye truly my disciples;
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
31 So Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you live by what I say, you are truly my disciples.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
31 Jesus spoke to the Jews who had believed him. "If you obey my teaching," he said, "you are really my disciples.

John 8:31 Meaning and Commentary

John 8:31

Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on him
For he knew instantly who they were, and when they believed on him; and therefore he immediately turned himself to them, and thus addressed them;

if ye continue in my word;
meaning the Gospel, called his, because he was both the author, and preacher, and sum, and substance of it: and to continue in it, is having cordially received it, to abide by it, and hold it fast, and not to be moved from it, by the temptations of Satan; the cunning of those that lie in wait to deceive; nor by the revilings and persecutions, the frowns and flatteries of men: and when men continue thus steadfast in it, and faithful to it, it is an evidence that it has come with power, and has a place in their hearts, and that they are the true followers of Christ:

then are ye my disciples indeed;
there are two sorts of disciples of Christ; some are only nominal, and merely in profession such; and these sometimes draw back from him, discontinue in his word, and go out from among his people; which shows that they never were of them, nor are the true disciples of Jesus; for the genuine disciples of Christ continue in his Gospel, hold fast to him, the head, and remain with his people; which to do to the end, is an evidence, of their being disciples indeed.

John 8:31 In-Context

29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

Cross References 1

  • 1. John 15:7; 2 John 9
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.