John 8:48
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The insult "Samaritan" here wasn't just about geography; it was a deep-seated accusation that Jesus was an enemy of God's people and a corrupting influence, just like the Samaritans were viewed. Their follow-up, "and have a demon," wasn't just a random curse, but an attempt to dismiss everything Jesus said as the ravings of a madman, a desperate tactic when they couldn't refute his truth.
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove him wrong about his teachings and asked why they don't believe him if he's speaking the truth. In response, they lash out, accusing him of being a Samaritan and being demon-possessed, essentially calling him a heretic and insane. This is their way of dismissing his claims and discrediting him entirely.
Jesus is called a 'Samaritan' – a deeply offensive label for Jews. Why was this insult so potent, and what was its real target?
The Jews and Samaritans were locked in a bitter, generations-old conflict rooted in religious and ethnic differences.
Jesus doesn't just defend himself; he pivots to his divine mission. What does this reveal about his response to unjust accusations?
When faced with vicious accusations, Jesus' focus remains on his divine purpose and his relationship with the Father.
Understand the original words
Ioudaioi · Greek Noun
A historical and ethnic group in Judea; in John, the term often refers to the religious leadership who were hostile toward Jesus.
Samareitēs · Greek Noun
An inhabitant of Samaria; in the first-century Jewish context, this was a derogatory label implying spiritual corruption or being an outsider to the covenant.
daimonion · Greek Noun
A malevolent, supernatural spirit under the authority of the devil, capable of possessing humans or exerting evil influence.
The deeply ingrained historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans, fueled by centuries of religious and political conflict, made the label 'Samaritan' an extreme insult. Jesus' opponents use it, along with the accusation of being demon-possessed, to dismiss His claims and delegitimize Him in the eyes of the crowd.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and settling other peoples in their place. This event creates a deep animosity and separation between the remaining Israelites and the new settlers, who intermarry and develop distinct religious and cultural practices.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling much of the population of the southern kingdom of Judah. This exile further solidifies Jewish identity and their distinctiveness from Samaritans, whom they view as having abandoned true worship.
c. 4th century BC
Samaritan Temple Built
The Samaritans build their own temple on Mount Gerizim, a rival to the Jerusalem Temple. This act further entrenches the religious and social divide between Jews and Samaritans.
c. 128 BC
Temple on Gerizim Destroyed
This verse directly references the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans, which the accusers are using as a tool of insult against Jesus.
John 7:20This passage shows the Jews' prior accusations against Jesus of having a demon, highlighting that their current insult is a continuation of their hostility.
Matthew 12:24This verse records a similar accusation from the Pharisees, that Jesus casts out demons by the prince of demons, showing a pattern of attributing His divine works to demonic power.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4Paul's defense of his ministry, stating 'I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified,' echoes Jesus' assertion of innocence while acknowledging that ultimate judgment comes from the Lord.
John 8:59This verse shows the culmination of the Jews' rejection, where they pick up stones to throw at Jesus, demonstrating the violent escalation of their hatred that began with insults like these.
calvinJohn 8:46-50: "Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?"
- Which of you convicteth me of sin? And if I speak truth, why do you not believe me? 47. He who is of God heareth the words of God; you hear them not, because you are not of God. 48. The Jews therefore answered, and said to him, Do we not say well, that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49. Jesus answered, I have not a devil, but I honor my Father, and you have dishonored me. 50. But I…
bensonJohn 8:48: "Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"
John 8:48-53 . Then answered the Jews, Say we not well — Have we not just cause to say; Thou art a Samaritan — An enemy to our church and nation; and hast a devil? — Art possessed by a proud and lying spirit? The Jews and Samaritans bearing a mortal hatred to one another on account of religion, it happened, that in common language, Couthi, or Samaritan, was used to signify, not m…
The insult "Samaritan" here wasn't just about geography; it was a deep-seated accusation that Jesus was an enemy of God's people and a corrupting influence, just like the Samaritans were viewed. Their follow-up, "and have a demon," wasn't just a random curse, but an attempt to dismiss everything Jesus said as the ravings of a madman, a desperate tactic when they couldn't refute his truth.
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove him wrong about his teachings and asked why they don't believe him if he's speaking the truth. In response, they lash out, accusing him of being a Samaritan and being demon-possessed, essentially calling him a heretic and insane. This is their way of dismissing his claims and discrediting him entirely.
Jesus has just challenged the Jews to prove him wrong about his teachings and asked why they don't believe him if he's speaking the truth. In response, they lash out, accusing him of being a Samaritan and being demon-possessed, essentially calling him a heretic and insane. This is their way of dismissing his claims and discrediting him entirely.
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The Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus destroys the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim. This act escalates the conflict and deepens the bitterness between the two groups.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry in Judea and Samaria
Jesus engages in ministry throughout Judea and even travels through Samaria, engaging with Samaritans (John 4). His actions and teachings often challenge established Jewish norms and deepen the opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Confrontation in Jerusalem
During His final visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (or Passover, depending on interpretation), Jesus engages in intense theological debates with Jewish leaders. They are deeply hostile and question His authority and divine claims.
"The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”" — The insult "Samaritan" here wasn't just about geography; it was a deep-seated accusation that Jesus was an enemy of God's people and a corrupting influence, just like the Samaritans were viewed. Thei…
