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, going through the midst of them. And so He passed by.[fn]