John 8:44
Verse
Context
The Truth Will Set You Free
43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye are of your father the devil - Ye are the seed of the old serpent. See on Joh 8:37 (note). The lusts of your father - Like father like son. What Satan desires, ye desire; because ye are filled with his nature. Awful state of unregenerate men! They have the nearest alliance to Satan; they partake of his nature and have in them the same principles and propensities which characterize the very nature and essence of the devil! Reader, canst thou rest in this state? Apply to God, through Christ, that thou mayest be born again. He was a murderer from the beginning - It was through him that Adam transgressed; in consequence of which death entered into the world, and slew him and all his posterity. This was the sentiment of the Jews themselves. In Sohar Kadash, the wicked are called, "The children of the old serpent, who slew Adam and all his descendants." See Schoettgen. Abode not in the truth - He stood not in the truth - was once in a state of glorious felicity, but fell from it; and, being deprived of all good himself, he could not endure that others should enjoy any; therefore by his lies he deceived Eve, and brought her, her husband, and, through them, their posterity, into his own condemnation. He speaketh of his own - Εκ των ιδιων λαλει, He speaketh of his own offspring, or, from his own disposition, for he is the father and fountain of all error and falsity; and all who are deceived by him, and partake of his disposition, falsity and cruelty, are his offspring, for he is a liar, and the father of it - και ὁ πατηρ αυτου - literally, his father also. There is considerable difficulty in this verse. The Cainites, and the Archontites, mentioned by Epiphanius, read it thus: "Ye are the children of your father the devil, because he is a liar, and his father was a liar. He was a man-slayer, and he did not remain in the truth. When he speaketh, he speaketh a lie of his own, (progenitors understood), because his father also was a liar." The consequences which the above heretics drew from this verse were the following. They said that the father of the Jews was a demon; that he also had a demon for his father; and that he had a demon for his father, etc. The Archontites maintained that Cain had a demon for his father, the spirit which our Lord speaks of here; and that the Jews proceeded from the race of Cain. Grotius, supposing that the devil who tempted Eve was not the prince of devils, but rather a subordinate one, seems to think he may be understood here, he is a liar, and his father also, which is the literal translation of the latter clause of the text, ὡς και ὁ πατηρ αυτου, as it has been read by many of the primitive fathers. Mr. Wakefield, by changing το, before ψευδος, into τις, gives the text the following translation: - "The devil is your father, and ye willingly perform the lusts of your father. He was a man-slayer from the first, and continued not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When Any One speaketh a lie, he speaketh according to his own kindred: for his father also is a liar." Our own translation, that refers πατηρ αυτου to ψευδος, a lie, and not to ψευϚης, a liar, is probably the most correct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye are of your father the devil--"This is one of the most decisive testimonies to the objective (outward) personality of the devil. It is quite impossible to suppose an accommodation to Jewish views, or a metaphorical form of speech, in so solemn an assertion as this" [ALFORD]. the lusts of your father--his impure, malignant, ungodly propensities, inclinations, desires. ye will do--are willing to do; not of any blind necessity of nature, but of pure natural inclination. He was a murderer from the beginning--The reference is not to Cain (as LOCKE, DE WETTE, ALFORD, &c.), but to Adam [GROTIUS, CALVIN, MEYER, LUTHARDT, &c.]. The death of the human race, in its widest sense, is ascribed to the murderous seducer of our race. and abode not in the truth--As, strictly speaking, the word means "abideth," it has been denied that the fall of Satan from a former holy state is here expressed [LOCKE, &c.], and some superior interpreters think it only implied [OLSHAUSEN, &c.]. But though the form of the thought is present--not past--this is to express the important idea, that his whole character and activity are just a continual aberration from his own original truth or rectitude; and thus his fall is not only the implied basis of the thought, but part of the statement itself, properly interpreted and brought out. no truth in him--void of all that holy, transparent rectitude which, as His creature, he originally possessed. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own--perhaps his own resources, treasures (Mat 12:35) [ALFORD]. (The word is plural). It means that he has no temptation to it from without; it is purely self-begotten, springing from a nature which is nothing but obliquity. the father of it--that is, of lying: all the falsehood in the world owes its existence to him. What a verse is this! It holds up the devil (1) as the murderer of the human race; but as this is meant here in the more profound sense of spiritual death, it holds him up, (2) as the spiritual parent of this fallen human family, communicating to his offspring his own evil passions and universal obliquity, and stimulating these into active exercise. But as there is "a stronger than he," who comes upon him and overcomes him (Luk 11:21-22), it is only such as "love the darkness," who are addressed as children of the devil (Mat 13:38; Jo1 3:8-10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that is of God,.... Who is born, not of blood, by carnal descent from any person, or of the carnal will, or by the power of freewill, or of the will of the best man in the world; but of God, according to his abundant mercy, of his own will, by the power of his grace; and so has God to be his Father: such an one heareth God's words; the doctrines of the Gospel, which have God for their author, being of his ordaining, sending, and publishing; and his grace for the matter of them, displayed in election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, and eternal salvation, and his glory for the end: now a regenerate man has eyes to see into the glory, loveliness, excellency, suitableness, and usefulness of these things; and he has ears to hear, and a heart to understand them, which others have not; and therefore hears them with pleasure, receives them in the love of them, cordially embraces them by faith, and distinguishes them from the words of man; and puts such of them in practice, as requires it: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God; because God was not their Father, or they were not born of him, as they boasted; therefore they had not eyes to see, nor ears to hear, nor hearts to understand: and it may as fairly be inferred, that because they did not hear the words of God, therefore they were not of God; for these two necessarily imply each other; it looks very dark on such persons, who neither hear the doctrines of the Gospel externally nor internally.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:44 Since the unbelieving people did not love Jesus (8:42; 1 Jn 5:1), they were not children of the Father in heaven who sent his beloved Son (John 8:47). Their true spiritual ancestry was revealed in their desire to kill God’s Son. This was the work of the devil, who brought death to the world (see Gen 3:1-20; Rom 5:12-14).
John 8:44
The Truth Will Set You Free
43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Where Is America Headed?
By Vance Havner6.0K32:07AmericaMAT 6:33JHN 8:31JHN 8:44ROM 12:1JAS 1:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle that has already been won by Jesus on the cross. He compares our role to that of soldiers in a war, where we are called to remain faithful even in difficult times. The preacher also highlights the importance of genuine faith, reminding us that superficial belief is not enough. He encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, as instructed in Romans 12:1-2.
This Way to Real Freedom
By Warren Wiersbe4.0K35:10JHN 8:31JHN 8:37JHN 8:44JHN 8:48JHN 8:59In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of embracing God's truth and not being afraid of it. He explains that when our minds are filled with God's truth, our hearts are in love with it, and our wills are aligned with it, we become true disciples of Jesus. The preacher warns against being controlled by lies and encourages listeners to regularly evaluate their beliefs and behaviors in light of God's truth. He emphasizes that the truth of God sets us free from the lies of Satan and leads to a transformed mind, heart, and will.
(John - Part 34): If the Son Shall Make You Free, Ye Shall Be Free Indeed
By A.W. Tozer3.9K42:42ExpositionalJHN 8:31JHN 8:34JHN 8:36JHN 8:44JHN 8:47JHN 8:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's conduct to determine their true nature. He highlights the need for humility and a willingness to learn, as arrogance and self-assuredness hinder growth and understanding. The preacher references biblical teachings, such as the meek inheriting the earth and the importance of following Jesus to know the truth and be set free. He also warns against claiming to be a child of God while not aligning one's conduct with God's teachings. The sermon serves as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of spiritual growth and encourages listeners to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures.
(Genesis) Genesis 3:14-19
By J. Vernon McGee3.0K10:00GenesisGEN 3:15MAT 6:33JHN 8:44JHN 11:25JHN 15:16ROM 3:111JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment of the fall as described in verse 14 of the Bible. He emphasizes that God must deal with the creature He made, who has turned away from Him. The serpent, which was different at the beginning, is cursed by God and Satan is also judged, affecting mankind. The preacher highlights the call of divine justice, sorrow, and love in this judgment, offering redemption through the promise of the coming Savior. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is God's search for man, as man ran away from Him.
(Basics) 65. Lying
By Zac Poonen2.6K12:48JER 3:13MAT 5:34JHN 8:44ACT 8:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the widespread sin of lying and its destructive impact on relationships. He refers to John 8:44, where Jesus tells the Jews who believed in Him that they are of their father, the devil. Jesus emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth at all times and not relying on oaths or swearing. The preacher highlights the seriousness of lying and the need for parents to teach their children the value of truthfulness. He also warns against preachers who comfort sinners and believers in their sin, emphasizing that God's punishment and judgment will eventually come.
A Very Close Look at Satan
By Danny Bond2.3K44:36SatanJHN 8:44REV 12:7REV 12:9In this sermon, the preacher explores Revelation chapter 12 verses 7-12, focusing on the strategies of Satan and his ultimate defeat. The sermon emphasizes that Satan's tactics are aimed at thwarting God's plans and destroying humanity. The preacher highlights Satan's power to corrupt minds and deceive people, using the example of Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, the sermon also emphasizes that believers can overcome Satan through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), their testimony, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives.
War on Earth - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.1K28:34DEU 18:9PSA 139:23AMO 5:14MAT 12:36MRK 9:24JHN 8:44EPH 6:12JAS 3:161PE 3:6This sermon delves into the topic of demons, distinguishing them from devils and exploring their potential origins as disembodied spirits. It recounts a personal experience of deliverance from various demons, highlighting the desperate craving of demons to occupy human bodies. The sermon also addresses how demons can enter individuals through various means like prenatal exposure, emotional shock, sinful acts, and idle words, emphasizing the importance of repentance and deliverance.
Superficial Faith
By Charles Leiter2.1K55:02JHN 2:23JHN 8:30JHN 8:33JHN 8:39JHN 8:42JHN 8:44In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of superficial faith and its implications. He emphasizes that it is possible for someone to believe in Jesus Christ and still end up in hell. The speaker uses the analogy of people centering their lives around various interests, such as sports or technology, to highlight the importance of prioritizing faith in God. He also references the story of the woman at the well to illustrate the need to let go of worldly attachments in order to fully embrace the living water offered by Jesus.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K57:32Order In ChristJHN 8:441JN 2:4REV 21:27REV 22:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of casting something into the waters and the waters being healed. They explain that throughout history, every step forward has only produced new problems. The sermon also mentions the story of Samson and how the safety and duration of a building rest on its pillars. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reality and truth in religion, as pretense and make-believe can lead to disintegration and confusion. The sermon references Proverbs 9:1, which speaks about wisdom building her house with seven pillars.
The Truth Will Set You Free
By John Piper1.7K46:47JHN 8:31JHN 8:34JHN 8:36JHN 8:41JHN 8:44ROM 2:29ROM 9:61JN 3:12This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus as the ultimate liberator, highlighting how various evasive measures like ethnicity, religion, and moral superiority can hinder us from fully surrendering to Christ. It emphasizes that true freedom comes only through Jesus setting us free from sin, self, and Satan, regardless of our background or status. The message urges listeners to abide in God's word, be transformed by the truth, and embrace the liberating power of Christ.
(The Church and Satans Wiles) 2 - as Jesus Is So Are We
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:14:54MAT 6:33MAT 16:18JHN 8:442CO 2:111TI 6:171JN 4:11JN 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible. He believes that many Christians are unaware of the truth of Scripture and are easily deceived by the lies of the devil. The preacher encourages his audience to live a life of victory and joy, citing 1 John 4:17 which states that as Jesus is, so are we in this world. He challenges the notion that the Christian life is boring and asserts that his own Christian life is exciting and fulfilling. The preacher also highlights the need to persevere and overcome challenges, comparing it to passing grades in education and the pursuit of higher goals.
Drop Your Sack
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K49:11Christian LifeRUT 1:16MAT 6:33JHN 8:44ROM 7:1ROM 7:14ROM 7:17In this sermon, the speaker challenges believers to examine their lives and the evidence they present as members of the bride of Christ. He questions whether their lives reflect the wealth and abundance that comes from their relationship with Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living in the fullness of Christ's spirit and allowing Him to fill every aspect of their lives. He contrasts this with the image of believers who are constantly seeking blessings and trying different methods to find fulfillment, but ultimately remain unsatisfied. The speaker encourages believers to continually recognize their need for Jesus and to live in the abundance He offers.
Oh Boy, There They Go Again
By Greg Locke99338:58MAT 6:33JHN 8:441CO 6:192CO 5:172CO 6:142CO 6:17COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the Bible and its significance in our daily growth. He emphasizes the importance of having a humble and obedient attitude towards God. The preacher highlights the transformation that occurs when one becomes a new creature in Christ, leaving behind their old sinful ways. He also discusses the concept of holiness and separation, emphasizing that it does not mean isolating oneself but rather living differently and reflecting the light of Christ.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 8 - the Truth Matters
By Alistair Begg82246:04FreedomEXO 20:16PRO 10:19PRO 17:28PRO 18:21JHN 8:44JAS 3:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of delivering things to people on time. He shares a strategy of overestimating the delivery time to avoid disappointing the recipient. The speaker then transitions to the topic of lying and how it has become an art form in our culture. He emphasizes that lying is morally wrong and foolish, even though some intelligent and influential people promote it. The sermon concludes with the reminder that righteousness and transformed lives come from the gospel and the need to accept Jesus into our hearts.
Lying Lips
By Erlo Stegen74155:57PSA 101:7PRO 6:16PRO 12:22PRO 19:9ZEC 8:16JHN 8:44EPH 4:25COL 3:9REV 21:8This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and living in honesty to bring joy to God. The consequences of lying are compared to other sins like murder and sexual immorality, warning that those who practice and love lies will face judgment. The sermon concludes with a call to cast off lies, speak the truth, and pray for God's work to remove deceit from our lives.
A Spirit Controlled Tongue
By Zac Poonen73810:38PRO 15:4PRO 18:21MAT 12:36JHN 8:44ACT 2:4EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:26JAS 3:3This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling one's tongue in demonstrating true spirituality and Christianity. It highlights how the tongue serves as a powerful indicator of spiritual health and the need for the Holy Spirit to enable believers to speak graciously. The message warns against the destructive nature of untamed speech and encourages surrendering to the Holy Spirit for transformation. It underscores the truth that life and death are in the power of the tongue, urging listeners to choose words that bring life and reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.
Studies in 1 John 06 Spirit of Truth and Error
By John W. Bramhall71848:58MAT 6:33JHN 8:441TI 3:16JAS 4:71JN 4:41JN 4:6JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of discerning between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. He emphasizes the need to test the spirits and not believe every spirit, as there are many false prophets in the world. The preacher highlights that the spirit of God confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, while the spirit of Antichrist denies this truth. He encourages believers to overcome the false prophets by relying on the greater power of God within them.
Separated Unto the Gospel
By Detlef Stegen7041:12:56GospelPRO 13:20JON 1:1MAT 5:16MAT 28:19JHN 8:44EPH 4:29JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing when God speaks to us. He highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's creation, particularly the vastness of the universe and the formation of new stars. The preacher encourages listeners to view the word of God as binoculars that bring clarity and focus to their lives, helping them stay on the right path and not be distracted. The sermon also references the story of Jonah, who initially tried to flee from God's calling but eventually surrendered and allowed God's word to bring about a change in his heart. The preacher urges listeners to embrace the transformative power of the word of God, which can melt hardened hearts, bring about forgiveness, and lead to a complete change in one's life.
Freedom of Spirit - Part 5
By Norman Grubb69109:30GEN 3:1JHN 8:44JHN 14:91JN 4:4REV 12:9This sermon delves into the concept of how our lives are meant to be reflections of God's character, emphasizing the choice between being self-centered or selfless. It explores the deception of Satan in making us believe that our actions stem from ourselves when in reality, it is either the spirit of error or the spirit of truth working through us. The importance lies in understanding that our sins are a result of aligning with the wrong deity, and the need to recognize the true producer of our actions.
Satan Must Find Nothing in Us
By Zac Poonen68455:21DEU 13:12JOB 1:10LUK 10:19JHN 8:44REV 22:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Satan's tactics and the need to be a testimony to Satan by living a life free from pride, rebellion, discontent, lying, and murder. It highlights the authority believers have over Satan and the significance of having Christ dwell in their hearts to resist the enemy's attacks.
Never Man Spake
By Welcome Detweiler50411:05JHN 8:1JHN 8:32JHN 8:34JHN 8:44JHN 8:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of running away from God and ignoring the voice of conscience. He warns that those who have been awakened to their lost condition but choose to flee from God will ultimately end up in hell. The preacher contrasts this with the example of a convicted sinner who stays in the presence of Christ and acknowledges their guilt and helplessness. He urges religious people who pretend to be saved to face the truth of their unsaved state and not deceive themselves or others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's guilt before God's perfect law and the need for a Savior.
John 8
By Damian Kyle47158:04JohnMAT 6:33JHN 7:53JHN 8:24JHN 8:32JHN 8:44JHN 8:47In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus casting out demons from a man. He emphasizes that Jesus had the power to effortlessly remove the demons without needing any external assistance. The preacher then highlights the bondage and sin that people are trapped in and how Jesus can set them free. He also addresses a hostile crowd and challenges their belief in God, stating that they are not truly of God if they do not believe in Jesus. The preacher concludes by urging believers to boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus, even in the face of opposition from religious communities.
Touching the Tears of Failure
By Carter Conlon46846:00GEN 12:2PSA 139:23ISA 43:2MRK 9:24JHN 8:44HEB 11:21REV 19:11REV 21:4REV 21:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the midst of struggles and failures, highlighting how God's anointing brings supernatural change, opens prison doors, heals wounded hearts, and gives sight to the blind. It encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and see beyond their present circumstances, knowing that God's plan continues unhindered through their lives, regardless of their frailties and failures.
In the Shadow of the Cross - Jesus Prays for His First Followers
By J. Glyn Owen44051:39PrayerMAT 6:33JHN 8:44JHN 17:15EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hiding in God as a way to protect oneself from the devil. He references Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" to illustrate this concept. The preacher also highlights the power of Christ in overcoming the world and encourages listeners to put their trust in Him. The sermon is based on John chapter 17, where Jesus prays for himself and for the future church.
The Children of God
By James Smith0JHN 8:44JHN 14:18ROM 8:14ROM 8:17GAL 4:61PE 1:231JN 3:11JN 3:10REV 20:15James Smith preaches about the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil. The children of God are born again of incorruptible seed, led by the Holy Spirit to confess sin, cry for mercy, and surrender themselves entirely to God. They live by faith, love holiness, and seek to be near the Lord always. In contrast, the children of the devil possess his spirit, imitate his conduct, and are eternally tormented by him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye are of your father the devil - Ye are the seed of the old serpent. See on Joh 8:37 (note). The lusts of your father - Like father like son. What Satan desires, ye desire; because ye are filled with his nature. Awful state of unregenerate men! They have the nearest alliance to Satan; they partake of his nature and have in them the same principles and propensities which characterize the very nature and essence of the devil! Reader, canst thou rest in this state? Apply to God, through Christ, that thou mayest be born again. He was a murderer from the beginning - It was through him that Adam transgressed; in consequence of which death entered into the world, and slew him and all his posterity. This was the sentiment of the Jews themselves. In Sohar Kadash, the wicked are called, "The children of the old serpent, who slew Adam and all his descendants." See Schoettgen. Abode not in the truth - He stood not in the truth - was once in a state of glorious felicity, but fell from it; and, being deprived of all good himself, he could not endure that others should enjoy any; therefore by his lies he deceived Eve, and brought her, her husband, and, through them, their posterity, into his own condemnation. He speaketh of his own - Εκ των ιδιων λαλει, He speaketh of his own offspring, or, from his own disposition, for he is the father and fountain of all error and falsity; and all who are deceived by him, and partake of his disposition, falsity and cruelty, are his offspring, for he is a liar, and the father of it - και ὁ πατηρ αυτου - literally, his father also. There is considerable difficulty in this verse. The Cainites, and the Archontites, mentioned by Epiphanius, read it thus: "Ye are the children of your father the devil, because he is a liar, and his father was a liar. He was a man-slayer, and he did not remain in the truth. When he speaketh, he speaketh a lie of his own, (progenitors understood), because his father also was a liar." The consequences which the above heretics drew from this verse were the following. They said that the father of the Jews was a demon; that he also had a demon for his father; and that he had a demon for his father, etc. The Archontites maintained that Cain had a demon for his father, the spirit which our Lord speaks of here; and that the Jews proceeded from the race of Cain. Grotius, supposing that the devil who tempted Eve was not the prince of devils, but rather a subordinate one, seems to think he may be understood here, he is a liar, and his father also, which is the literal translation of the latter clause of the text, ὡς και ὁ πατηρ αυτου, as it has been read by many of the primitive fathers. Mr. Wakefield, by changing το, before ψευδος, into τις, gives the text the following translation: - "The devil is your father, and ye willingly perform the lusts of your father. He was a man-slayer from the first, and continued not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When Any One speaketh a lie, he speaketh according to his own kindred: for his father also is a liar." Our own translation, that refers πατηρ αυτου to ψευδος, a lie, and not to ψευϚης, a liar, is probably the most correct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye are of your father the devil--"This is one of the most decisive testimonies to the objective (outward) personality of the devil. It is quite impossible to suppose an accommodation to Jewish views, or a metaphorical form of speech, in so solemn an assertion as this" [ALFORD]. the lusts of your father--his impure, malignant, ungodly propensities, inclinations, desires. ye will do--are willing to do; not of any blind necessity of nature, but of pure natural inclination. He was a murderer from the beginning--The reference is not to Cain (as LOCKE, DE WETTE, ALFORD, &c.), but to Adam [GROTIUS, CALVIN, MEYER, LUTHARDT, &c.]. The death of the human race, in its widest sense, is ascribed to the murderous seducer of our race. and abode not in the truth--As, strictly speaking, the word means "abideth," it has been denied that the fall of Satan from a former holy state is here expressed [LOCKE, &c.], and some superior interpreters think it only implied [OLSHAUSEN, &c.]. But though the form of the thought is present--not past--this is to express the important idea, that his whole character and activity are just a continual aberration from his own original truth or rectitude; and thus his fall is not only the implied basis of the thought, but part of the statement itself, properly interpreted and brought out. no truth in him--void of all that holy, transparent rectitude which, as His creature, he originally possessed. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own--perhaps his own resources, treasures (Mat 12:35) [ALFORD]. (The word is plural). It means that he has no temptation to it from without; it is purely self-begotten, springing from a nature which is nothing but obliquity. the father of it--that is, of lying: all the falsehood in the world owes its existence to him. What a verse is this! It holds up the devil (1) as the murderer of the human race; but as this is meant here in the more profound sense of spiritual death, it holds him up, (2) as the spiritual parent of this fallen human family, communicating to his offspring his own evil passions and universal obliquity, and stimulating these into active exercise. But as there is "a stronger than he," who comes upon him and overcomes him (Luk 11:21-22), it is only such as "love the darkness," who are addressed as children of the devil (Mat 13:38; Jo1 3:8-10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that is of God,.... Who is born, not of blood, by carnal descent from any person, or of the carnal will, or by the power of freewill, or of the will of the best man in the world; but of God, according to his abundant mercy, of his own will, by the power of his grace; and so has God to be his Father: such an one heareth God's words; the doctrines of the Gospel, which have God for their author, being of his ordaining, sending, and publishing; and his grace for the matter of them, displayed in election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, and eternal salvation, and his glory for the end: now a regenerate man has eyes to see into the glory, loveliness, excellency, suitableness, and usefulness of these things; and he has ears to hear, and a heart to understand them, which others have not; and therefore hears them with pleasure, receives them in the love of them, cordially embraces them by faith, and distinguishes them from the words of man; and puts such of them in practice, as requires it: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God; because God was not their Father, or they were not born of him, as they boasted; therefore they had not eyes to see, nor ears to hear, nor hearts to understand: and it may as fairly be inferred, that because they did not hear the words of God, therefore they were not of God; for these two necessarily imply each other; it looks very dark on such persons, who neither hear the doctrines of the Gospel externally nor internally.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:44 Since the unbelieving people did not love Jesus (8:42; 1 Jn 5:1), they were not children of the Father in heaven who sent his beloved Son (John 8:47). Their true spiritual ancestry was revealed in their desire to kill God’s Son. This was the work of the devil, who brought death to the world (see Gen 3:1-20; Rom 5:12-14).