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Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. He awoke early in the morning to return to the temple. When He arrived, the people surrounded Him, so He sat down and began to teach them. While He was teaching, the scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman who was caught in the act of adultery; and they stood her before Jesus.

Pharisees: Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. Moses says in the law that we are to kill such women by stoning. What do You say about it?

This was all set up as a test for Jesus; His answers would give them grounds to accuse Him of crimes against Moses’ law. Jesus bent over and wrote something in the dirt with His finger. They persisted in badgering Jesus, so He stood up straight.

Jesus: Let the first stone be thrown by the one among you who has not sinned.

Once again Jesus bent down to the ground and resumed writing with His finger. The Pharisees who heard Him stood still for a few moments and then began to leave slowly, one by one, beginning with the older men. Eventually only Jesus and the woman remained, 10 and Jesus looked up.

Jesus: Dear woman, where is everyone? Are we alone? Did no one step forward to condemn you?

Woman Caught in Adultery: 11 Lord, no one has condemned me.

Jesus: Well, I do not condemn you either; all I ask is that you go and from now on avoid the sins that plague you.][a]

12 On another occasion, Jesus spoke to the crowds again.

Jesus: I am the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.

Pharisees: 13 Jesus, what You are claiming about Yourself cannot possibly be true. The only person bearing witness is You.

Jesus: 14 Even if I am making bold claims about Myself—who I am, what I have come to do—I am speaking the truth. You see, I know where I came from and where I will go when I am done here. You know neither where I come from nor where I will go. 15 You spend your time judging by the wrong criteria, by human standards; but I am not here to judge anyone. 16 If I were to judge, then My judgment would be based on truth; but I would not judge anyone alone. I act in harmony with the One who sent Me. 17 Your law states that if the testimonies of two witnesses agree, their testimony is true. 18 Well, I testify about Myself, and so does the Father who sent Me here.

Pharisees: 19 Where is the Father who testifies on Your behalf?

Jesus: You don’t know the Father or Me. If you knew Me, then you would also know the Father.

20 Jesus said all of these things in the treasury while He was teaching in the temple; followers and opponents alike gathered to hear Him, but none of His enemies tried to seize Him because His time had not yet come.

Jesus (to the crowds): 21 I am leaving this place, and you will look for Me and die in your sin. For where I am going, you are unable to come.

Jews: 22 Is He suicidal? He keeps saying, “Where I am going, you are unable to come.”

Jesus: 23 You originate from the earth below, and I have come from the heavens above. You are from this world, and I am not. 24 That’s why I told you that you will die here as a result of your sins. Unless you believe I am who I have said I am, your sins will lead to your death.

Jews: 25 Who exactly are You?

Jesus: From the beginning of My mission, I have been telling you who I am. 26 I have so much to say about you, so many judgments to render; but if you hear one thing, hear that the One who sent Me is true, and all the things I have heard from Him I speak into the world.

27 The people had not understood that Jesus was teaching about the Father.

Jesus: 28 Whenever the day comes and you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He. It will be clear then that I am not acting alone, but that I am speaking the things I have learned directly from the Father. 29 The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not abandoned Me because I always do what pleases Him.

30 As Jesus was speaking, many in the crowd believed in Him.

Even though many believe, they can not imagine what He means about the lifting up of the Son of Man.

Jesus (to the new Jewish believers): 31 If you hear My voice and abide in My word, you are truly My disciples; 32 you will know the truth, and that truth will give you freedom.

Jewish Believers: 33 We are Abraham’s children, and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say to us, “You will be set free”?

Jesus: 34 I tell you the truth: everyone who commits sin surrenders his freedom to sin. He is a slave to sin’s power. 35 Even a household slave does not live in the home like a member of the family, but a son belongs there forever. 36 So think of it this way: if the Son comes to make you free, you will really be free.

Jesus notices that some of His opponents are listening, so He speaks louder and turns His remarks to them.

37 I know you are descendants of Abraham, but here you are plotting to murder Me because you do not welcome My voice into your lives. 38 As I speak, I am painting you a picture of what I have seen with My Father; here you are repeating the things you have seen from your father.

Jews: 39 Abraham is our father.

Jesus: If you are truly Abraham’s children, then act like Abraham! 40 From what I see you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that comes from the Father. This is not something Abraham would do, 41 but you are doing what you have learned from your father.

Jews: We were not born from adulterous parents; we have one Father: God.

Jesus: 42 I come from the one True God, and I’m not here on My own. He sent Me on a mission. If God were your Father, you would know that and would love Me. 43 You don’t even understand what I’m saying. Do you? Why not? It is because You cannot stand to hear My voice. 44 You are just like your true father, the devil; and you spend your time pursuing the things your father loves. He started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth because he is void of anything true. At the core of his character, he is a liar; everything he speaks originates in these lies because he is the father of lies. 45 So when I speak truth, you don’t believe Me. 46-47 If I speak the truth, why don’t you believe Me? If you belong to God’s family, then why can’t you hear God speak? The answer is clear; you are not in God’s family. I speak truth, and you don’t believe Me. Can any of you convict Me of sin?

Jews: 48 We were right when we called You a demon-possessed Samaritan.

Jesus: 49-50 I’m not taken by demons. You dishonor Me, but I give all glory and honor to the Father. But I am not pursuing My own fame. There is only One who pursues and renders justice. 51 I tell you the truth, anyone who hears My voice and keeps My word will never experience death.

Jews: 52 We are even more confident now that You are demon-possessed. Just go down the list: Abraham died, the prophets all died. Yet You say, “If you keep My word, you will never taste death.” 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died; remember? Prophets—are any of them still alive? No. Who do You think You are?

Jesus: 54 If I were trying to make Myself somebody important, it would be a waste of time. That kind of fame is worth nothing. It is the Father who is behind Me, urging Me on, giving Me praise. You say, “He is our God,” 55 but you are not in relationship with Him. I know Him intimately; even if I said anything other than the truth, I would be a liar, like you. I know Him, and I do as He says. 56 Your father Abraham anticipated the time when I would come, and he celebrated My coming.

Jews: 57 You aren’t even 50 years old, yet You have seen and talked with Abraham?

Jesus: 58 I tell you the truth; I AM before Abraham was born.

59 The people picked up stones to hurl at Him, but Jesus slipped out of the temple. Their murderous rage would have to wait.

Footnotes

  1. 7:53–8:11 Many early manuscripts omit these verses.

The Adulterous Woman

But Jesus went to (A)the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple area, and all the people were coming to Him; and (B)He sat down and began teaching them. Now the scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center of the courtyard, they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the Law, (C)Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” Now they were saying this to (D)test Him, (E)so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. When they persisted in asking Him, (F)He straightened up and said to them, (G)He who is without sin among you, let him be the (H)first to throw a stone at her.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Now when they heard this, they began leaving, one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman where she was, in the center of the courtyard. 10 And (I)straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, [a]Lord.” And Jesus said, (J)I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not (K)sin any longer.”]]

Jesus Is the Light of the World

12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, (L)I am the Light of the world; (M)the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to Him, “(N)You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not [b]true.” 14 Jesus answered and said to them, (O)Even if I am testifying about Myself, My testimony is [c]true, because I know (P)where I came from and where I am going; but (Q)you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 (R)You judge [d]according to the flesh; (S)I am not judging anyone. 16 But even (T)if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17 Even in (U)your Law it has been written that the testimony of (V)two people is [e]true. 18 I am He who testifies about Myself, and (W)the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.” 19 So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; (X)if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” 20 These words He spoke [f]in (Y)the treasury, as (Z)He taught in the temple area; and no one arrested Him, because (AA)His hour had not yet come.

21 Then He said again to them, “I am going away, and (AB)you will look for Me, and (AC)will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So (AD)the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, (AE)Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 And He was saying to them, (AF)You are from below, I am from above; (AG)you are of this world, (AH)I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you (AI)will die in your sins; for unless you believe that [g](AJ)I am, (AK)you will die in your sins.” 25 Then they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, [h]What have I even been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to say and to judge regarding you, but (AL)He who sent Me is true; and (AM)the things which I heard from Him, these I say to the world.” 27 They did not realize that He was speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you (AN)lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that [i](AO)I am, and (AP)I do nothing [j]on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; (AQ)He [k]has not left Me alone, for (AR)I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30 As He said these things, (AS)many came to believe in Him.

The Truth Will Set You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, (AT)If you continue in My word, then you are truly My (AU)disciples; 32 and (AV)you will know the truth, and (AW)the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered Him, “(AX)We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, (AY)everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now (AZ)the slave does not remain in the house forever; (BA)the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son (BB)sets you free, you really will be free. 37 I know that you are (BC)Abraham’s descendants; yet (BD)you are seeking to kill Me, because My word [l]has no place in you. 38 I speak of the things which I have seen [m]with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from (BE)your father.”

39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is (BF)our father.” Jesus *said to them, (BG)If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. 40 But as it is, (BH)you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has (BI)told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. 41 You are doing the deeds of (BJ)your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born as a result of sexual immorality; (BK)we have one Father: God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, (BL)you would love Me, (BM)for I came forth from God and am here; for I have (BN)not even come [n]on My own, but [o](BO)He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand [p](BP)what I am saying? It is because you cannot (BQ)listen to My word. 44 (BR)You are of (BS)your father the devil, and (BT)you want to do the desires of your father. (BU)He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because (BV)there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells [q]a lie, he (BW)speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of [r]lies. 45 But because (BX)I say the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If (BY)I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 (BZ)The one who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

48 (CA)The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not rightly say that You are a (CB)Samaritan, and You (CC)have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not (CD)have a demon; on the contrary, I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 But (CE)I am not seeking My glory; there is One who seeks it, and judges. 51 Truly, truly I say to you, if anyone (CF)follows My word, he will never (CG)see death.” 52 (CH)The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You (CI)have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets as well; and yet You say, ‘If anyone (CJ)follows My word, he will never (CK)taste of death.’ 53 You (CL)are not greater than our father Abraham, who died, are You? The prophets died too. Whom do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, (CM)If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; (CN)it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and (CO)you have not come to know Him, (CP)but I know Him. And if I say that I do not know Him, I will be (CQ)a liar like you; (CR)but I do know Him, and I (CS)follow His word. 56 (CT)Your father Abraham was (CU)overjoyed that he would see My day, and he saw it and rejoiced.” 57 (CV)So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham [s]was born, [t](CW)I am.” 59 Therefore they (CX)picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus (CY)hid Himself and left the temple grounds.

Footnotes

  1. John 8:11 Or Sir
  2. John 8:13 Or valid
  3. John 8:14 Or valid
  4. John 8:15 I.e., by a carnal standard
  5. John 8:17 I.e., valid or admissible
  6. John 8:20 Or at
  7. John 8:24 Or I AM, you will die...; Jesus may be referring to Ex 3:14, I AM WHO I AM
  8. John 8:25 Or That which I have even been saying to you from the beginning
  9. John 8:28 Or I AM, and...; (see note v 24)
  10. John 8:28 Or of Myself
  11. John 8:29 Or did not leave
  12. John 8:37 Or is making no headway among you
  13. John 8:38 Or in the presence of
  14. John 8:42 Or of Myself
  15. John 8:42 Lit that One
  16. John 8:43 Or My way of speaking
  17. John 8:44 Lit the lie
  18. John 8:44 Lit it
  19. John 8:58 Lit came into being
  20. John 8:58 Or I AM; Jesus may be referring to Ex 3:14, I AM WHO I AM

La mujer sorprendida en adulterio

Pero Jesús se fue al monte de los Olivos(A). Al amanecer, vino otra vez al templo, y todo el pueblo venía a Él; y sentándose, les enseñaba(B). Los escribas y los fariseos trajeron* a una mujer sorprendida en adulterio, y poniéndola en medio, dijeron* a Jesús: «Maestro, esta mujer ha sido sorprendida en el acto mismo del adulterio. Y en la ley, Moisés nos ordenó apedrear a esta clase de mujeres(C). ¿Tú, pues, qué dices?».

Decían esto, poniendo a prueba a Jesús(D), para tener de qué acusarlo(E). Pero Jesús se inclinó y con el dedo escribía en la tierra. Pero como insistían en preguntar, Jesús se enderezó(F) y les dijo: «El que de ustedes esté sin pecado, sea el primero(G) en tirarle una piedra(H)».

E inclinándose de nuevo, escribía en la tierra. Al oír ellos esto, se fueron retirando uno a uno comenzando por los de mayor edad, y dejaron solo a Jesús y a la mujer que estaba en medio. 10 Enderezándose(I) Jesús, le dijo: «Mujer, ¿dónde están ellos? ¿Ninguno te ha condenado?».

11 «Ninguno, Señor», respondió ella. Entonces Jesús le dijo: «Yo tampoco te condeno(J). Vete; y desde ahora no peques más(K)».

Jesús, la Luz del mundo

12 Jesús les habló otra vez, diciendo: «Yo soy la Luz del mundo(L); el que me sigue no andará en tinieblas, sino que tendrá la Luz(M) de la vida». 13 Entonces los fariseos le dijeron: «Tú das testimonio de Ti mismo; Tu testimonio no es verdadero[a](N)».

14 Jesús les respondió: «Aunque Yo doy testimonio(O) de Mí mismo, Mi testimonio es verdadero, porque Yo sé de dónde he venido y adónde voy(P); pero ustedes no saben de dónde vengo(Q) ni adónde voy. 15 Ustedes juzgan según la carne[b](R); Yo no juzgo a nadie(S). 16 Pero si Yo juzgo, Mi juicio es verdadero; porque no soy Yo solo, sino Yo y el Padre que[c] me envió(T). 17 Aun en la ley de ustedes está escrito que el testimonio de dos hombres es verdadero(U). 18 Yo soy el que doy testimonio de Mí mismo, y el Padre que me envió da testimonio de Mí(V)».

19 Entonces le decían: «¿Dónde está Tu Padre?». «Ustedes no me conocen a Mí ni a Mi Padre», les respondió Jesús. «Si me conocieran, conocerían también a Mi Padre(W)».

20 Estas palabras las pronunció en el lugar del tesoro(X), cuando enseñaba en el templo(Y); y nadie lo prendió, porque todavía no había llegado Su hora(Z).

Advertencias a los incrédulos

21 Entonces Jesús les dijo de nuevo: «Yo me voy, y me buscarán(AA), y ustedes morirán en su pecado(AB); adonde Yo voy, ustedes no pueden ir». 22 Por eso los judíos(AC) decían: «¿Acaso se va a suicidar, puesto que dice: “Adonde Yo voy, ustedes no pueden ir(AD)”?».

23 Y Jesús les decía: «Ustedes son de abajo, Yo soy de arriba(AE); ustedes son de este mundo(AF), Yo no soy de este mundo(AG). 24 Por eso les dije que morirán en sus pecados; porque si no creen que Yo soy[d](AH), morirán en sus pecados(AI)».

25 «¿Tú quién eres?», le preguntaron. Jesús les contestó: «¿Qué les he estado diciendo desde el principio[e]? 26 Tengo mucho que decir y juzgar de ustedes, pero Aquel que me envió es veraz(AJ); y Yo, las cosas que oí de Él, estas digo al mundo(AK)».

27 Ellos no comprendieron que les hablaba del Padre. 28 Por eso Jesús les dijo: «Cuando ustedes levanten al Hijo del Hombre(AL), entonces sabrán que Yo soy[f](AM) y que no hago nada por Mi cuenta(AN), sino que hablo estas cosas como el Padre me enseñó. 29 Y Aquel que me envió está conmigo; no me ha dejado[g] solo(AO), porque Yo siempre hago lo que le agrada(AP)». 30 Al hablar estas cosas, muchos creyeron en Él(AQ).

Los verdaderos hijos de Abraham

31 Entonces Jesús decía a los judíos que habían creído en Él: «Si ustedes permanecen en Mi palabra(AR), verdaderamente son Mis discípulos(AS); 32 y conocerán la verdad(AT), y la verdad los hará libres(AU)». 33 Ellos le contestaron: «Somos descendientes de Abraham(AV) y nunca hemos sido esclavos de nadie. ¿Cómo dices Tú: “Serán libres”?».

34 Jesús les respondió: «En verdad les digo que todo el que comete pecado es esclavo del pecado(AW); 35 y el esclavo no queda en la casa para siempre(AX); el hijo permanece para siempre(AY). 36 Así que, si el Hijo los hace libres(AZ), ustedes serán realmente libres. 37 Sé que ustedes son descendientes de Abraham(BA); y sin embargo, me quieren matar(BB) porque Mi palabra no tiene aceptación en ustedes[h]. 38 Yo hablo lo que he visto con Mi Padre[i]; ustedes, entonces, hacen también lo que oyeron de su padre(BC)».

39 Ellos le contestaron: «Abraham es nuestro padre(BD)». Jesús les dijo*: «Si son hijos de Abraham(BE), hagan las obras de Abraham. 40 Pero ahora me quieren matar(BF), a Mí[j] que les he dicho la verdad que oí de Dios(BG). Esto no lo hizo Abraham. 41 Ustedes hacen las obras de su padre(BH)». Ellos le dijeron: «Nosotros no nacimos de fornicación; tenemos un Padre, es decir, Dios(BI)».

42 Jesús les dijo: «Si Dios fuera su Padre, me amarían(BJ), porque Yo salí de Dios y vine de Él(BK), pues no he venido por Mi propia iniciativa(BL), sino que Él[k] me envió(BM). 43 ¿Por qué no entienden lo que digo[l](BN)? Porque no pueden oír Mi palabra(BO).

44 »Ustedes son de su padre el diablo y quieren hacer los deseos de su padre(BP). Él fue un asesino desde el principio(BQ), y no se ha mantenido en la verdad porque no hay verdad en él. Cuando habla mentira[m], habla de su propia naturaleza(BR), porque es mentiroso(BS) y el padre de la mentira[n]. 45 Pero porque Yo digo la verdad(BT), no me creen. 46 ¿Quién de ustedes me prueba que tengo pecado? Y si digo verdad(BU), ¿por qué ustedes no me creen? 47 El que es de Dios escucha las palabras de Dios; por eso ustedes no escuchan, porque no son de Dios(BV)».

Jesús, anterior a Abraham

48 Los judíos(BW) le contestaron: «¿No decimos con razón que Tú eres samaritano(BX) y que tienes un demonio(BY)?». 49 Jesús respondió: «Yo no tengo ningún demonio(BZ), sino que honro a Mi Padre, y ustedes me deshonran a Mí. 50 Pero Yo no busco Mi gloria(CA); hay Uno que la busca, y juzga. 51 En verdad les digo que si alguien guarda Mi palabra(CB), no verá jamás la muerte(CC)».

52 Los judíos(CD) le dijeron: «Ahora sí sabemos que tienes un demonio(CE). Abraham murió, y también los profetas, y Tú dices: “Si alguien guarda Mi palabra(CF) no probará jamás la muerte(CG)”. 53 ¿Eres Tú acaso mayor que nuestro padre(CH) Abraham que murió? Los profetas también murieron; ¿quién crees que eres?[o]».

54 Jesús respondió: «Si Yo mismo me glorifico(CI), Mi gloria no es nada; es Mi Padre el que me glorifica(CJ), de quien ustedes dicen: “Él es nuestro Dios”. 55 Ustedes no lo han conocido(CK), pero Yo lo conozco; y si digo que no lo conozco seré un mentiroso como ustedes(CL); pero lo conozco(CM) y guardo Su palabra(CN). 56 Abraham, el padre de ustedes(CO), se regocijó esperando ver[p] Mi día; y lo vio y se alegró(CP)».

57 Por esto los judíos(CQ) le dijeron: «Aún no tienes cincuenta años, ¿y has visto a Abraham?». 58 Jesús les dijo: «En verdad les digo, que antes que Abraham naciera[q], Yo soy(CR)». 59 Entonces tomaron piedras para tirárselas(CS), pero Jesús se ocultó[r](CT) y salió del templo[s].

Footnotes

  1. Juan 8:13 O válido.
  2. Juan 8:15 I.e. según un criterio carnal.
  3. Juan 8:16 Algunos mss. antiguos dicen: yo y el que.
  4. Juan 8:24 La mayoría de los eruditos bíblicos relacionan estas palabras con Ex. 3:14 YO SOY EL QUE SOY.
  5. Juan 8:25 O Lo que les he dicho desde el principio.
  6. Juan 8:28 Véase la nota, vers. 24.
  7. Juan 8:29 O no me dejó.
  8. Juan 8:37 O no progresa en ustedes.
  9. Juan 8:38 O en la presencia del Padre.
  10. Juan 8:40 Lit. a un hombre.
  11. Juan 8:42 Lit. Aquél.
  12. Juan 8:43 O mi manera de hablar.
  13. Juan 8:44 Lit. la mentira.
  14. Juan 8:44 Lit. el padre de ella.
  15. Juan 8:53 Lit. ¿quién te haces?
  16. Juan 8:56 Lit. para que viera.
  17. Juan 8:58 Lit. viniera a ser.
  18. Juan 8:59 Lit. fue ocultado.
  19. Juan 8:59 Algunos mss. agregan: y pasando por en medio de ellos, se fue, y así pasó.