John 8:51 kjv
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
John 8:51 nkjv
Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."
John 8:51 niv
Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death."
John 8:51 esv
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
John 8:51 nlt
I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!"
John 8 51 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 8:51 | "Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death." | John 8:51 (itself) |
| John 3:16 | "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." | Promise of eternal life through belief |
| John 11:25-26 | "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" | Jesus as resurrection and life |
| John 6:47 | "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." | Eternal life through belief |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." | Jesus as the exclusive way to the Father |
| Romans 6:23 | "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." | Contrast of wages of sin and gift of God |
| 1 John 2:17 | "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." | Doing God's will leads to abiding |
| 1 John 5:11-13 | "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." | Having the Son equates to having life |
| Revelation 1:18 | "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." | Jesus’ victory over death |
| Revelation 2:11 | "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." | Overcoming death |
| Acts 4:12 | "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." | Jesus as the only name for salvation |
| Philippians 3:10-11 | "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." | Resurrection through knowing Christ |
| Colossians 3:3 | "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." | New life hidden with Christ |
| 1 Peter 3:18 | "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" | Christ's sacrifice for humanity |
| 2 Timothy 2:11 | "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:" | Dying with Christ leads to living with Him |
| John 8:31-32 | "Then said Jesus to those of the Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." | Continuing in His word signifies discipleship and freedom |
| Psalm 119:50 | "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." | God's word brings life/comfort |
| Matthew 7:24 | "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" | Building on Christ's words leads to stability |
| John 1:4 | "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." | Christ as the source of life |
| 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 | "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" | Victory over death through resurrection |
John 8 verses
John 8 51 Meaning
Jesus states that whoever keeps His word will never see death. This is a promise of eternal life, not the absence of physical death. It signifies spiritual life and resurrection to those who believe and obey.
John 8 51 Context
This verse is found within the Gospel of John, chapter 8, following a discourse between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. Jesus has been challenging their understanding of freedom, associating true freedom with His word and truth, contrasting it with their spiritual bondage. They claim Abraham as their father, but Jesus refutes this by stating their actions don't align with Abraham's. The conversation intensifies as Jesus speaks of a spiritual father, leading to a rejection and attempted stoning of Jesus. In this context, Jesus declares that keeping His word guarantees freedom from death, presenting a profound promise that contrasts with the spiritual limitations and ignorance of His adversaries.
John 8 51 Word analysis
Verily, verily (Ἀμὴν, ἀμὴν - Amen, amen): A solemn affirmation, emphasizing the truthfulness and certainty of the statement. Used often by Jesus in John's Gospel to introduce important teachings.
I say unto you (λέγω ὑμῖν - lego umin): Direct address from Jesus, drawing attention to His authority.
If (ἐὰν - ean): A conditional particle, introducing the requirement for the promise.
a man (τις - tis): Anyone, regardless of background or status.
keep (τήρῃ - terē): From the Greek word 'tēreō'. It implies not just hearing, but guarding, obeying, and observing His sayings or word. This active keeping is crucial.
my saying (μου τὸν λόγον - mou ton logon): Refers to Jesus' words, His teachings, His message, and His very being as the Word (Logos). It encompasses both the spoken words and the living embodiment of truth.
he shall never see death (οὐ μὴ θεωρῇ θάνατον εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα - ou mē theōrē thanaton eis ton aiōna): A strong negative future statement. 'Ou mē' forms the strongest possible prohibition or negative declaration. 'Theōrē' means to look upon, behold, or experience. 'Thanaton' means death, encompassing both physical and eternal spiritual death. 'Eis ton aiōna' signifies "for eternity" or "forever." The phrase emphasizes exemption from experiencing eternal death or final separation from God.
My saying: This phrase points to the totality of Jesus' revelation – His spoken words, His character, and His divine authority as the embodiment of truth. It signifies an internal reception and obedience to His message.
John 8 51 Bonus section
The concept of "seeing death" versus "never seeing death" is powerful in its implication. It suggests an experience or a final, definitive state. Those who truly embrace Christ’s word are transformed; while their physical bodies may die, their spirits transition to eternal life, thus never "seeing" the ultimate death which is spiritual and eternal. This aligns with other passages stating Jesus gives eternal life (John 3:16, John 6:47). The emphasis is on the quality and destination of life beyond physical mortality. This is a core tenet of Christian theology – that faith in Jesus brings resurrection and eternal life.
John 8 51 Commentary
Jesus’ promise here is not a guarantee against physical death. Instead, it speaks to overcoming eternal death, the ultimate consequence of sin. To "keep My saying" involves a deep engagement: hearing, believing, obeying, and holding fast to Jesus' teachings. This diligent adherence positions an individual to receive the gift of eternal life through Him, ensuring that they will not face eternal separation from God. It’s a declaration of life in the fullest sense, rooted in relationship with Jesus.