John 8:56

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John 8:56 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”

King James Version KJV

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

American Standard Version ASV

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Your father Abraham was full of joy at the hope of seeing my day: he saw it and was glad.

Free Bible Version FBV

Your father Abraham was delighted as he looked forward to see my coming, and was so happy when he saw it.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Your father Abraham reioyced to see my day, and he sawe it, and was glad.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Abraham, your father, was glad that he might see my day; and he saw, and did rejoice.'

World English Bible WEB

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it , and was glad.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Abraham your father rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it, and was glad.

Translation for Translators T4T

Your ancestor Abraham was happy when he thought about what I would do during my life [MTY]. It was as though he saw that, and was happy.”

Plain English Version PEV

Think about your father, Abraham. He knew I was going to come into the world, and after he saw it happen, he was really happy.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 8:56

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 8:56 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αβρααμ ο πατηρ υμων ηγαλλιασατο ινα ιδη την ημεραν την εμην και ειδεν και εχαρη

αβρααμ Abraam G11 Abraham Noun-PRI

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

πατηρ patēr G3962 father Noun-NSM

υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP

ηγαλλιασατο agalliaō G21 to rejoice Verb-ADI-3S

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

ιδη horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAS-3S

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

ημεραν hēmera G2250 day Noun-ASF

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

εμην emos G1699 mine S-1SASF

και kai G2532 and Conj

ειδεν horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

εχαρη chairō G5463 to rejoice Verb-2AOI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 8:56

αβρααμ Abraam G11 "Abraham" Noun-PRI

Abraham was a Hebrew patriarch, mentioned in Matthew 1:1 and other passages. He is considered the father of the Jewish nation and is an important figure in the Bible. Abraham's story is told in the book of Genesis.

Definition: Ἀβραάμ (Heb. אַבְרָהָם), ὁ, indecl. (in FlJ, Ἄβραμος, -ου; MM, VGT, see word), Abraham (Gen.17:5 al.): Mat.1:1, 2 al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 69 NT verses. KJV: Abraham See also: 1 Peter 3:6; John 8:52; Hebrews 2:16.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πατηρ patēr G3962 "father" Noun-NSM

A father is a male parent, like Joseph, the father of Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 2:22 and Luke 1:17. It can also refer to a forefather or ancestor, like Abraham, as seen in Matthew 3:9 and John 8:39.

Definition: πατήρ, πατρός, -τρί, τέρα, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for אָב ;] a father; __1. prop., __(a) of the male parent: Mat.2:22, Luk.1:17, Jhn.4:53; anarth., Heb.12:7 (M, Pr., 82 f.); pl., of both parents (cl.), Heb.11:23; οἱ π. τ. σαρκός, Heb.12:9; __(b) of a forefather or ancestor (in cl. usually in pl.; Hom., al.): Mat.3:9, Luk.1:73, Jhn.8:39, al.; pl., Mat.23:30, 32 Luk.6:23, 26 Jhn.4:20, 1Co.10:1, al. __2. Metaphorical, __(a) of an author, originator, or archetype (= αἴτιος, ἀρχηγός, etc.; Pind., Plat., al.): Jhn.8:41-44, Rom.4:11, 12 16. __(b) as a title of respect or honour, used of seniors, teachers and others in a position of responsible authority (Jdg.17:10, 2Ki.2:12, Pro.1:8, al.): Mat.23:9 Act.7:2 22:1, 1Jn.2:13. __3. Of God (as in cl. of Zeus) as Father; __(a) of created things: τ. φώτων, Jas.1:17; __(b) of all sentient beings: Eph.3:14, 15 Heb.12:9; __(with) of men, esp. those in covenant relation with Him (freq in OT and later Jewish lit.; see Dalman, Words, 184ff.): Mat.6:4, Luk.6:36, Jhn.4:21, Jas.3:9, al.; ὁ π. ὁ ἐν (τ.) οὐρανοῖς, Mat.5:16, Mrk.11:25; ὁ π. ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.6:14 15:13; esp. in the Epp., of Christians: Rom.8:15, 2Co.6:18, Gal.4:6, Eph.2:18 4:6, 1Jn.2:1; with genitive qual., τ. οἰκτιρμῶν, 2Co.1:3; τ. δοξῆς, Eph.1:17; __(d) of Christ (Dalman, Words, 190 ff.); __(α) by our Lord himself: ὁ π., Mat.11:25-27, Luk.10:2, 22 Jhn.5:20-23, al.; ὁ π. μου, Mat.11:27, al.; ὁ ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς, Mat.7:11, al.; ὁ οὐράνιος, Mat.15:13; vocat., Jhn.11:41 12:27, 28 17:1, 5, 11, 20, 25 (cf. Abbott, JG., 96 f.); __(β) by Apostles: Jhn.1:14 (anarth.; see M, Pr., l.with), Rom.15:6, 2Co.1:3 11:31, Eph.1:3, Col.1:3, Heb.1:5, 1Pe.1:3, Rev.1:6 (cf. Westc., Epp. Jo., 27-34). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 370 NT verses. KJV: father, parent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 8:9; 1 Peter 1:2.

υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ηγαλλιασατο agalliaō G21 "to rejoice" Verb-ADI-3S

To rejoice or jump for joy is the meaning of this word, as in Luke 1:47 and 1 Peter 1:8. It describes a feeling of great happiness and excitement, often in response to God's love and salvation.

Definition: ἀγαλλιάω, -ῶ, Hellenistic form of cl. ἀγάλλω, to glorify, mid. -ομαι, to exult in; [in LXX (most frequently in Pss.) chiefly for גיל, רנן pi. ;] to exult, rejoice greatly: before ἐπί, with dative, Luk.1:47; with dative mod., 1Pe.1:8, Rev.19:7. Mid., with same sense: Mat.5:12, Luk.10:21, Act.2:26, 16:34, 1Pe.4:13; before ἵνα, Jhn.8:56; ἐν, Jhn.5:35 (1 aor. pass. perh. as mid.; but see Mozley, Psalter, 5), 1Pe.1:6 (Cremer, 590).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly) See also: 1 Peter 1:6; John 5:35; 1 Peter 1:8.

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

ιδη horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAS-3S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ημεραν hēmera G2250 "day" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for day refers to a 24-hour period, used in Revelation 21:25 and Acts 9:24. It can also mean a period of time, like in Luke 21:37.

Definition: ἡμέρα, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for יוֹם ;] day; __1. as distinct from night: genitive ἡμέρας, by day (WM, §30, 11), Rev.21:25; ἡ. κ. νυκτός (ν. κ. ̔ἡ.), Act.9:24, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8, Rev.4:8 (BL, §36, 13); ἡμέρας μέσης, at mid-day, Act.26:13; accusative durat., τ. ἡμέρας, Luk.21:37; ὅλην τὴν ἡ., Rom.8:36; ἐν ἡμέρα, Jhn.11:9, Rom.13:13; ἡμέρας ὁδός, a day's journey, Luk.2:44; ἡ. γίνεται, Lk 4:42 22:66; κλίνει, Luk.9:12, al.; metaphorically, Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:4, 5 8, 2Pe.1:19. __2. Of a civil day of 24 hours, incl. night: Mat.6:34, Mrk.6:21, Luk.13:14, al.; τρίτῃ ἡ., Mat.16:21; ἡμέρᾳ κ. ἡ. (cf. יוֹם בְּיוֹם, Est.3:4), 2Co.4:16; ὅλην τ. ἡ., Rom.8:36 10:21; pl., Jhn.2:12, Act.9:19, al.; ἡ. τῶν ἀζύμων, Act.12:3; τ. σαββάτου, Luk.13:14, 16; ἡ κυριάκη ἡ., Rev.1:10. __3. In Messianic sense, of the last day: ἡ ἡ. (ἐκείνη, τ. κυρίου, etc.), Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, Rom.13:12, 1Co.1:8, 1Th.5:2, 2Th.2:2, 2Pe.3:10, al; by meton., as compared with the divine judgment on that day, ἡ. ἀνθρωπίνη, of a human tribunal, 1Co.4:3 (EV, man's judgment). __4. As in Heb. (also in Gk. writers; Bl, §46, 9; M, Pr., 81), of time in general: Jhn.8:56 14:20, 2Co.6:2, Eph.6:13, 2Pe.3:18; pl. Act.15:7, Eph.5:16, Heb.10:32; πᾶσας τὰς ἡ. (cf. כָּל הַיָּמִים, Deu.4:40, al.; MM, Exp., xv), Mat.28:20; ἐλεύσονται ἡ. ὅταν (ὅτε), Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35 17:22; αἱ ἡ., with genitive of person(s) (Gen.26:1, al.), Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Act.7:45, 1Pe.3:20; ἀρχ̀ ἡμερῶν, Heb.7:3. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 366 NT verses. KJV: age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Acts 21:5; 1 Peter 2:12.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εμην emos G1699 "mine" S-1SASF

This word means 'mine' or 'my', showing something belongs to the speaker, as in Matthew 18:20 and John 3:29. It is often used to describe something as one's own.

Definition: ἐμός, -ή, -όν poss. prop. of first of person(s), representing the emphasized genitive ἐμοῦ, mine, subjectively and objectively, i.e. belonging to, proceeding from or related to me: Mat.18:20, Mrk.8:38, Jhn.3:29 (most frequently in this gospel), al.; absol., τὸ ἐμόν, τὰ ἐμά, Mat.20:15 25:27, Luk.15:31, Jhn.10:14 16:14-15 17:10; = genitive obj. (cl.), εἰς τ. ἐμὴν ἀvάμνησιν, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24-25; with genitive expl., τ. ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου, 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 69 NT verses. KJV: of me, mine (own), my See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; John 10:26; Revelation 2:20.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ειδεν horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAI-3S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εχαρη chairō G5463 "to rejoice" Verb-2AOI-3S

To rejoice means to feel happy and glad, like the disciples in Mark 14:11. It can also be used as a greeting, wishing someone well and farewell.

Definition: χαίρω [in LXX for שָׂמַח (Gen.45:16, al.), גִּיל (Pro.2:14, al.), etc.; inf., as greeting (see infr.), Isa.48:22 57:21 שָׁלוֹם), 1Ma.10:18, 2Ma.1:1 and frequently in these books ;] __1. to rejoice, be glad: Mrk.14:11, Luk.15:5, 32 19:6, 37 22:5 23:8, Jhn.8:56 20:20, Act.5:41 8:39 11:23 13:48, 2Co.6:10 7:7 13:9, Php.2:17, 28, Col.2:5, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.4:13, 3Jn.3; χ. καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθαι, Mat.5:12; κ. σκιρτᾶν, Luk.6:23; opposite to κλαίειν, Rom.12:15, 1Co.7:30; to κλαίειν κ. θρηνεῖν Jhn.16:20; to λύπην ἔχειν, Jhn.16:22; with cogn. accusative, χ. χαρὰν μεγάλην, Mat.2:10; χαρᾷ χ. (B1., § 38, 3; Dalman, Words, 34 f.), Jhn.3:29; ἡ χαρὰ ᾗ χαίρομεν, 1Th.3:9; with prep. (Bl., 38, 2), ἐπί, with dative (simple dative in cl.), Mat.18:13, Luk.1:14 13:17, Act.15:31, Rom.16:19, 1Co.13:6 16:17, 2Co.7:13, Rev.11:10; διά, Jhn.3:29 11:15, 1Th.3:9; ἐν, Php.1:18; ἀπό, 2Co.2:3; with accusative (Dem.), Php.2:18; before ὅτι, Jhn.14:28, 2Co.7:9 7:16, 2Jn.4; ἐν τούτῳ ὅτι, Luk.10:20; with dative, Rom.12:1; ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.4:10 __2. In salutations, imperat., χαῖρε, χαίρετε, __(a) at meeting, hail: Mat.26:49 27:29, Mrk.15:18, Luk.1:28, Jhn.19:3; pl., Mat.28:9; so χχαίρειν λέγω, to give greeting, II Jn 11; in letters, χαίρειν (sc. λέγει; 81, 1), greeting: Act.15:23 23:26 Jas.1:1; __(b) at parting, farewell: 2Co.13:11; __(with) on other occasions, be of good cheer: ἐν κυρίῳ, Php.3:1 4:4 (cf. συν-χαίρω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy(- fully), rejoice See also: 1 Corinthians 7:30; John 16:22; 1 Peter 4:13.

Study Notes — John 8:56

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 8:56 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 8:56
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 8:56
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 8:56
Trapp's Commentary on John 8:56
Ellicott's Commentary on John 8:56
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 8:56
Cambridge Bible on John 8:56
Barnes' Notes on John 8:56
Whedon's Commentary on John 8:56
Sermons on John 8:56

Context — Before Abraham Was Born, I Am

54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word.

56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”

57Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” 58“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am! ”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 11:13	All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
2	Genesis 22:18	And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
3	Galatians 3:7–9	Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
4	Matthew 13:17	For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
5	John 8:39	“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
6	Luke 10:24	For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
7	1 Peter 1:10–12	Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
8	Hebrews 11:39	These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.
9	Luke 2:28–30	Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
10	John 8:37	I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you.

John 8:56 Summary

[Jesus is saying that Abraham, who lived a long time ago, was happy because he knew that Jesus would come one day, as promised in Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:8. This shows that Abraham had faith in God's plan and trusted that it would all work out for good. Just like Abraham, we can trust in God's promises and look forward to the fulfillment of His plans, even when we don't fully understand them, as seen in Romans 4:20-22 and Hebrews 11:1. By trusting in God's goodness, we can rejoice in His plans, just like Abraham did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'My day' in John 8:56?

Jesus is referring to the time of His ministry and the fulfillment of God's plan of salvation, as seen in Luke 2:30-32 and Acts 2:23, which were foreshadowed in the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 118:22-23.

How could Abraham have seen Jesus' day and been glad about it?

Although Abraham lived before Jesus' time on earth, he was given glimpses of the future through faith and the promises of God, such as in Genesis 15:1-6 and Hebrews 11:13, which allowed him to rejoice in anticipation of Jesus' coming.

Is Jesus saying that Abraham had a direct vision of Him?

While the Bible doesn't explicitly state that Abraham had a direct vision of Jesus, it's clear that Abraham trusted in God's promises and looked forward to the coming Messiah, as seen in John 8:56 and Galatians 3:8, which speaks of the gospel being preached to Abraham in advance.

What can we learn from Abraham's example in this verse?

Abraham's example teaches us to trust in God's promises and look forward to the fulfillment of His plans, even when we don't fully understand them, as seen in Romans 4:20-22 and Hebrews 11:1, which emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God's goodness.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can, like Abraham, look forward to and rejoice in the fulfillment of God's plans in my life?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, even when the future seems uncertain?
In what ways can I, like Jesus, point others to the Father and His goodness, as seen in John 8:54-55 and Psalm 34:8?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's goodness and promises, just as Abraham did?
How can I balance my desire for immediate answers with the need to trust in God's timing and plans?

Gill's Exposition on John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day,.... Or "he was desirous to see my day", as the Syriac and Arabic versions rightly render the word; or "very desirous", as the Persic version: and indeed,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 8:56

You glory much in this, that you have Abraham to your father. This father of yours foresaw my coming into the world, and my dying upon the cross. He saw it by the eye of faith, in the promise which was made to him, That in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. He saw it in the type of Isaac’ s being offered, then receiving him in a figure, . He saw it in the light of Divine revelation. He saw my coming in the flesh; my dying upon the cross for sinners; the publication of my gospel to the whole world, by which means all the nations of the earth became blessed in his seed. And he was glad, with the joy of faith, which gives the soul a union with an absent object by faith made certain to it, .

Trapp's Commentary on John 8:56

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Ver. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see] He saw it afar off, and saluted it, ασπασαμενοι, Hebrews 11:13. His good old heart danced levaltos within him, as children use to dance about a bonfire (so the word ηγαλλιασατο signifies), with an exuberance of joy, that joy of faith. The Fathers say that he saw Christ’ s birth at the valley of Mamre, Genesis 18:1-16, and his passion in the mount Moriah, Genesis 22:3-14

Ellicott's Commentary on John 8:56

(56) Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day.—They had asked in scorn if He were greater than their father Abraham (John 8:53). .His words have shown that He was. He now, with the thoughts of Joh 8:39 still present, contrasts the exultation of him whom they claimed as father, when he saw from afar the Messianic advent, with their rejection of the Messiah who is actually among them. Abraham realised the fulness of the promises made to him, and believed in the Lord that the blessing should be fulfilled to his seed. He, too, had kept God’s word, and in the true sense had not seen death (see Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 22:18). The words, “My day,” are used, as in Luke 17:22, for the manifestation of Christ on earth. And he saw it, and was glad.—This is the historic fulfilment of the joy which looked forward to the day of Christ. Our Lord reveals here a truth of the unseen world that is beyond human knowledge or explanation. From that world Abraham was cognisant of the fact of the Incarnation, and saw in it the accomplishment of the promise which had brought joy to shepherds watching their flocks, as the Patriarch had watched his; there came an angel, as angels had come to him, and a multitude of the heavenly host, exulting in the good news to men. In that joy Abraham had part. The truth comes as a ray of light across the abyss which separates the saints in heaven from saints on earth. As in the parable, where Lazarus is in Abraham’s bosom, the rich man is represented as knowing and caring for his brethren on earth, so here the great Patriarch is spoken of as knowing and rejoicing in the fact of the Incarnation. The faculty of reason cannot explain how it is, but the faculty of faith can receive the truth that there is a “communion of saints,” and finds in it a comfort which robs separation of its bitterness, and a power which strengthens all the motives to a holy and devoted life. (Comp. Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 12:1.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 8:56

Verse 56. Abraham rejoiced to see my day] Or, he earnestly desired to see my day; ηγαλλιασατο, from αγαν, very much, and αλλομαι, I leap - his soul leaped forward in earnest hope and strong expectation that he might see the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The metaphor appears to be taken from a person who, desiring to see a long-expected friend who is coming, runs forward, now and then jumping up to see if he can discover him. There is a saying very like this in Sohar Numer fol. 61: "Abraham rejoiced because he could know, and perceive, and cleave to the Divine NAME." The Divine name is יהוה Yehovah; and by this they simply mean God himself. And he saw it] Not only in the first promise, Genesis 3:15, for the other patriarchs saw this as well as he; and not only in that promise which was made particularly to himself, Genesis 12:7; Genesis 22:18, (compared with Galatians 3:16,) that the Messiah should spring from his family; but he saw this day especially when Jehovah appeared to him in a human form, Genesis 18:2; Genesis 18:17, which many suppose to have been a manifestation of the Lord Jesus.

Cambridge Bible on John 8:56

56. rejoiced to see my day] Literally, exulted that he might see My day, the object of his joy being represented as the goal to which his heart is directed. This is a remarkable instance of S. John’s preference for the construction expressing a purpose, where other constructions would seem more natural. Comp. John 4:34; John 4:47, John 6:29; John 6:50, John 9:2-3; John 9:22, John 11:50, John 16:7. Abraham exulted in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah through implicit belief in the Divine promises.and he saw it, and was glad] A very important passage with regard to the intermediate state, shewing that the soul does not, as some maintain, remain unconscious between death and the Day of Judgment. The Old Testament saints in Paradise were allowed to know that the Messiah had come. How this was revealed to them we are not told; but here is a plain statement of the fact. The word for ‘was glad’ expresses a calmer, less emotional joy than the word for ‘rejoiced,’ and therefore both are appropriate: ‘exulted’ while still on earth; ‘was glad’ in Hades. Thus the ‘Communion of Saints’ is assured, not merely in parables (Luke 16:27-28), but in the plainer words of Scripture. Comp. Hebrews 12:1.

Barnes' Notes on John 8:56

Your father Abraham - The testimony of Abraham is adduced by Jesus because the Jews considered it to be a signal honor to be his descendants, John 8:39.

Whedon's Commentary on John 8:56

56. Your father Abraham—He prepares to assert his superiority over Abraham in his highest title, their boasted father; much more, then, over all other Jews. Rejoiced—Exulted, leaped for joy.

Sermons on John 8:56

	Sermon	Description
	Between Death and Resurrection - Part 2 by David Pawson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of regret and the certainty of the afterlife. He emphasizes that once a person is in the prison of death, there is no going back
	(Men Who Met God): Jacob Had an Encounter With God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the character of Jacob from the Bible. He describes Jacob as a man with a streak of avarice and larceny. The preacher emphasizes the need to
	(Through the Bible) Genesis 13-14 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the panoramic view that Abram had of the land that God promised to give him and his descendants. The speaker mentions the mountains
	Abraham, My Friend: 04 When He Was called... by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and his obedience to God's call. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's word without demanding explanati
	(Covenant Series) 2. Abraham by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a covenant between God and Abram (later known as Abraham). The speaker explains that in a covenant, both parties typically have
	Vision #1 by Stephen Kaung	Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of having a divine vision, drawing from Proverbs 29:18, which states that without vision, people become unrestrained. He illustrates this
	Jesus From Genesis to Revelation (Pt. 2) by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes that Jesus is our ultimate teacher who reveals the Scriptures to point us to Himself, glorifying God the Father. He warns against the dangers of religi