Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

JOHN 8:55KJV
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John 8:55 (KJV)

What does John 8:55 mean?

John 8:55 shows Jesus telling His opponents that, unlike them, He truly knows God and faithfully follows what God says. Jesus insists that if He denied knowing God, He would be lying just as they do, but instead, He both knows God and keeps His word.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders who are challenging His authority and claims about God. The setting is a heated debate in the temple, where Jesus draws a sharp line between their lack of real knowledge of God and His own genuine relationship with the Father. Jesus emphasizes both His personal knowledge of God and His obedience, highlighting the difference between outward religion and true understanding.

The Greek behind John 8:55

  • "know" (οἶδα, oida): This Greek word often means a deep, certain knowledge, not just awareness. Jesus uses it to claim a unique, intimate understanding of God, contrasting with the leaders' lack of real knowledge.
  • "keep" (τηρέω, tēreō): This word means to guard, observe, or hold fast. Jesus is not just aware of God's word; He actively lives by it, showing loyalty and obedience.
  • "liar" (ψεύστης, pseustēs): By using this word, Jesus directly accuses the leaders of falsehood, making His claim bold and confrontational in the context of their religious authority.

Why John 8:55 matters

  • John 8:55 clarifies that knowing God is not just about religious background or outward claims but about a real, lived relationship and obedience.
  • The verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, showing that Jesus is not afraid to call out hypocrisy even among respected figures.
  • This statement connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel of Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father, setting Him apart from all others in both knowledge and faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“liar” Greek G5583 · used in 10 verses

  • John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
  • Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
  • 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.