Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

JOHN 8:48KJV
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John 8:48 (KJV)

What does John 8:48 mean?

John 8:48 describes how some of the Jews responded to Jesus by accusing him of being a Samaritan and of having a demon. They used these insults to discredit Jesus and reject his teachings.

In this verse, the conversation is between Jesus and a group of Jewish people during a tense debate in Jerusalem. Calling Jesus a "Samaritan" was a serious insult, since Samaritans were looked down on by many Jews at the time. Accusing him of having a "devil" (meaning a demon) was a way of saying his words and actions were evil or influenced by something unclean. This shows the depth of opposition and misunderstanding Jesus faced.

The Greek behind John 8:48

  • Σαμαρίτης (Samaritēs, "Samaritan"): This word was used as a strong insult, suggesting someone was an outsider or heretic. In this context, it highlights how the speakers tried to paint Jesus as untrustworthy and not truly part of their community.
  • δαιμόνιον (daimonion, "devil" or "demon"): The Greek term refers to an evil spirit. Here, the accusation is that Jesus is under the influence of a demon, which was a way to dismiss his authority and message as dangerous or deceptive.

Why John 8:48 matters

  • This verse shows the level of hostility and misunderstanding Jesus encountered, even from his own people, which is a key theme throughout John’s Gospel.
  • The insults reveal how Jesus’ opponents tried to undermine his credibility by attacking his character rather than addressing his words.
  • Understanding this exchange helps clarify the growing conflict in John 8, setting the stage for Jesus’ further responses about his identity and mission.

Where else these words appear

“Samaritan” Greek G4541 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
  • John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“devil” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

“art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.