John 8:39 bbe — In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what…

Bible in Basic English

"In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did."

— John 8:39, Bible in Basic English

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John 8:39 in Other Translations

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John 8 — Context

36

If then the son makes you free, you will be truly free.

37

I am conscious that you are Abraham's seed; but you have a desire to put me to death because my word has no place in you.

38

I say the things which I have seen in my Father's house: and you do the things which come to you from your father's house.

39

In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did.

40

But now you have a desire to put me to death, a man who has said to you what is true, as I had it from God: Abraham did not do that.

41

You are doing the works of your father. They said to him, We are true sons of Abraham; we have one Father, who is God.

42

Jesus said to them, If God was your Father you would have love for me, because it was from God I came and am here. I did not come of myself, but he sent me.

John 8:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 8:39 say?
John 8:39 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did.”
Where is John 8:39 in the Bible?
John 8:39 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 8, verse 39.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 8:39.
What translation should I read John 8:39 in?
John 8:39 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 8:39?
John 8:39 reads (BBE): “In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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