Definition: Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from John 8:57. It’s a really fascinating and slightly tricky one that gets to the heart of how Jesus challenges people’s beliefs. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is asking a group of Jewish men if he's really only been around for 50 years. He’s essentially saying, “You’re wrong! I’ve been here longer than that!” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said the Jews unto him…” : This is just a way of saying “Jesus said to them.” “…Thou art not yet fifty years old…” : He’s pointing out that he’s lived far longer than 50 years. “And hast thou seen Abraham?” : This is the core of the question. Abraham was a very important figure in Jewish and Christian traditions. He's considered the patriarch – the first human – and a key figure in their stories. So, what’s the point? Jesus is saying that he has been around much longer than 50 years. This challenges the idea of a long, unchanging past. It suggests that his life isn't just a continuous stream of time; it's something that stretches back further. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it’s a key point in Jesus's teaching about His own identity. He’s highlighting that he isn’t simply a historical figure – he’s the divine Son of God. It’s a way of saying, "I am more than just what happened before." In short: Jesus is asserting his divinity and showing that he has lived a long life, far longer than anyone else. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could discuss: The historical context – when did this happen? What it means symbolically? How it relates to Jesus’s teachings about the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)?