Albert Barnes Commentary John 8:35

"And the bondservant abideth not in the house for ever: the son abideth for ever." — John 8:35 (ASV)

The servant abideth not, and so forth. The servant does not, of course, remain forever, or until his death, with his master. If he is disobedient and wicked, the master sells him or turns him away. He is not the heir and may, at any time, be expelled from his master's house.

In contrast, a son is the heir. He cannot be cast off or sold in this manner; he is privileged with the right of remaining in the family. This distinction takes place in common life.

So the Saviour said to the Jews: "You, if you are disobedient and rebellious, may at any time be rejected from being the people of God, and be deprived of your particular privileges as a nation. You are in the condition of servants, and unless you are made free by the gospel and become entitled to the privilege of the sons of God, you will be cast off like an unfaithful slave" .

Abideth not. Does not remain, or does not have the legal right to remain. He may at any time be rejected or sold.

In the house. In the family of his master.

For ever. During his whole life.

The Son. The heir. He remains, and cannot be sold or cast off.

Ever. Continually. Until the day of his death. This is the privilege of a son, to inherit and dispose of the property.