Charles Ellicott Commentary John 8:43

"Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word." — John 8:43 (ASV)

Why do you not understand my speech, ... my word.—The distinction between “speech” (the form) and “word” (the matter which was spoken) is rightly preserved. Compare John 12:48, the word that I have spoken. A good instance of the meaning of “speech” is found in Matthew 26:73, thy speech betrayeth thee.

From John 8:33 onwards, they had constantly misunderstood His expressions. The reason is that the subject-matter of His discourse is altogether above them. He is speaking of spiritual things, which are spiritually discerned. They, if children of the Father whom they claimed, would recognise these spiritual truths and know the language of home.

You cannot hear.—Compare the note on John 6:60. The sense is, “You cannot hear, so as to receive and obey.” He supplies the answer to His own question. In the following verses (John 8:44–47), He expresses this answer more fully.