John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just call the devil a liar; He calls him the "father of lies." This isn't just about deception, but about his origin as the very source of falsehood, making lying an inherent part of his being and the origin of all deceit in the world.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and resistance of the Jewish leaders, who claim Abraham as their father. He argues that their actions reveal their true spiritual parentage. He then directly identifies them with the devil, describing his nature as a murderer and a liar who actively opposes truth.
Jesus directly confronts the religious leaders, calling them children of the devil. What does that mean beyond just an insult?
Jesus uses the language of "father" and "children" to describe a deep, shared identity and purpose. When Jesus says, "You are of your father the devil," He's not just pointing to a bad influence. He's saying their very nature, their desires, and their actions are so aligned with the devil's that they bear his spiritual DNA.
This isn't about outward appearance or even just making bad choices; it's about the core of their being. Their rejection of Jesus, their hatred, and their plotting against Him reveal whose family they truly belong to. It's a stark contrast to those who hear God's word and belong to God.
Jesus links the devil to two devastating traits: murder and falsehood. How are these two interconnected in his nature and actions?
Jesus describes the devil as 'a murderer from the beginning' and 'a liar.' These aren't separate characteristics; they are two sides of the same coin.
For the religious leaders opposing Jesus, their murderous intent and their rejection of Jesus' truth showed they were operating in the devil's domain, imitating his character.
Understand the original words
diabolos · Greek Noun
The adversary of God and humanity. He is depicted as the ultimate tempter, accuser, and deceiver who seeks to lead humanity away from obedience to God.
epithumia · Greek Noun
A strong desire, craving, or intent. In a moral sense, it refers to the inner inclinations of the heart that drive a person’s actions.
anthrōpoktonos · Greek Noun
One who destroys life or kills. It is associated with the devil, signifying his original and ongoing hatred for God’s creation.
alētheia · Greek Noun
The reality of God’s nature, will, and message. It stands in direct opposition to falsehood and is essential for living in alignment with God.
This passage describes the serpent's first deceptive words to Eve, establishing the devil as the original liar and deceiver, a theme directly echoed in John 8:44.
1 John 3:8-10John explicitly connects those who practice sin with being children of the devil, mirroring Jesus' declaration in John 8:44 and showing the ongoing spiritual lineage.
John 3:12Jesus states that he speaks of earthly things and is not believed, but he speaks of heavenly things and still isn't believed, setting up the contrast between his truth and the devil's lies that John 8:44 highlights.
This ancient text directly links the devil's envy to the introduction of death into the world, reinforcing the 'murderer from the beginning' aspect described in John 8:44.
Jesus explains that the weeds in the field are the children of the evil one, and the devil is the enemy who sows them, a parallel to the idea of spiritual parentage and inherent nature found in John 8:44.
barnesJohn 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."
Ye are of your father the devil - That is, you have the temper, disposition, or spirit of the devil. You are influenced by him, you imitate him, and ought therefore to be called his children. See also 1 John 3:8-10 ; Acts 13…
calvinJohn 8:43-45: "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."
Why do you not understand my language, that you cannot hear my word? 44. You are of your father the devil, and you wish to execute the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he did not remain in the truth, because there is no truth in him. 45. And because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
Why do you not understand my language? In this passage, he reproaches the Jew…
Jesus doesn't just call the devil a liar; He calls him the "father of lies." This isn't just about deception, but about his origin as the very source of falsehood, making lying an inherent part of his being and the origin of all deceit in the world.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and resistance of the Jewish leaders, who claim Abraham as their father. He argues that their actions reveal their true spiritual parentage. He then directly identifies them with the devil, describing his nature as a murderer and a liar who actively opposes truth.
Jesus is responding to the disbelief and resistance of the Jewish leaders, who claim Abraham as their father. He argues that their actions reveal their true spiritual parentage. He then directly identifies them with the devil, describing his nature as a murderer and a liar who actively opposes truth.
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pseustēs · Greek Noun
One who intentionally distorts reality and speaks falsely. It is the antithesis of the character of God, who is the source of all truth.
"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for…" — Jesus doesn't just call the devil a liar; He calls him the "father of lies." This isn't just about deception, but about his origin as the very source of falsehood, making lying an inherent part of…
