John 8:43 kjv — Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

King James Version

"Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."

— John 8:43, King James Version

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John 8:43 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

John 8 — Context

40

But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

41

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

42

Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

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.

45

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

John 8:43 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 8:43 say?
John 8:43 in the King James Version reads: “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.”
Where is John 8:43 in the Bible?
John 8:43 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 8, verse 43.
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 8:43.
What translation should I read John 8:43 in?
John 8:43 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 8:43?
John 8:43 reads (KJV): “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.” 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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