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Verse Takeaways
1
A Question Designed as a Trap
Commentators explain that this question was not a sincere inquiry but a rhetorical trap. The grammar of the original Greek expects a negative answer, showing the question was loaded with scorn. The goal was to force Jesus into making a statement that could be used against Him as blasphemy, a charge they had tried to make before.
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John
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On John 8:53
18th Century
Theologian
Whom makest thou thyself? Or, who do you pretend to be? Although the greatest of the prophets have died, yet you—a Nazarene, a Sa…
AT Robertson
On John 8:53
Art thou greater than our father Abraham? (Μη συ μειζων ε του πατρος ημων Αβρααμ; ). Negative answer expected by μη with ablative …
Charles Ellicott
On John 8:53
19th Century
Bishop
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead?—The question is exactly the same, with the substitution of “Abra…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 8:37–59
19th Century
Preacher
I know that you are Abraham's seed; yet you seek to kill me, because my word does not have free course in you. I speak the things which I have …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 8:53
A better translation of this question would be, “You are not greater than our father Abraham, are you?” A negative answer is assumed. While Jesus’ …
John Calvin
On John 8:53
16th Century
Theologian
Are you greater than our father Abraham? This is another offense, that they attempt to obscure the glory of Christ by the splendor of …
John Gill
On John 8:53
17th Century
Pastor
Are you greater than our father Abraham ?
&c.] So the woman of Samaria said, concerning Jacob, ([Reference John 4:12…
Matthew Henry
On John 8:48–53
17th Century
Minister
Observe Christ's disregard of the applause of men. Those who are dead to the praises of men can bear their contempt. God will seek the honour of al…