Before Abraham Was Born, I Am

48 The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”

49 “I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. 51 Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”

52 “Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death. 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”

54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say ‘He is our [fn] God.’ 55 You 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. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”

57 Then 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![fn]”

59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.[fn]