Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

JOHN 8:43KJV
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John 8:43 (KJV)

What does John 8:43 mean?

John 8:43 records Jesus asking why His listeners do not understand what He is saying, and then answering that it is because they are unable to truly hear or accept His message. Jesus points out a deeper issue than just misunderstanding; He says they cannot receive His words.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish religious leaders who are challenging Him. The verse highlights that their inability to grasp His teaching is not just about language or intellect, but about a deeper spiritual resistance. Jesus is drawing attention to the barrier that keeps them from truly hearing and accepting what He says.

The Greek behind John 8:43

  • "Speech" (λόγος, lalia, G2981): This word refers to the way someone speaks or expresses themselves, not just the content. Jesus is pointing out that they do not even grasp the way He communicates, not just the meaning of His words.
  • "Hear" (ἀκούω, akouō, G191): In Greek, this word often means more than just physically hearing; it can mean to listen with understanding or to accept. Jesus is saying they cannot truly receive or take in His message.
  • "Cannot" (οὐ δύναμαι, ou dynamai, G3756, G1410): This phrase means "are not able." Jesus is not just saying they do not want to hear, but that they are unable to, suggesting a deeper inability rooted in their hearts or attitudes.

Why John 8:43 matters

  • John 8:43 clarifies that spiritual understanding is not just about intelligence or education, but about openness to Jesus’ message.
  • The verse shows that Jesus sees a deeper barrier in His listeners—a spiritual or moral resistance, not just a lack of information.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, where Jesus repeatedly challenges the religious leaders’ assumptions and reveals why they struggle to accept Him.

Where else these words appear

“speech” Greek G2981 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
  • Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
  • John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

“Why” Greek G1302 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • John 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.