| Geneva Study Bible {13} I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. (13) Our wicked manners declare that we are obviously born of a wicked nature: but we are changed, and made part of the household of God according to the covenant which he made with Abraham by Christ alone, apprehended and laid hold on by faith: and this faith is known by a godly and honest life. People's New Testament 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed. According to the flesh, but not according to the spirit. Abraham had no such spirit as they. Wesley's Notes 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's offspring - As to the other branch of your objection, I know that, ye are Abraham's offspring, after the flesh; but not in a spiritual sense. Ye are not followers of the faith of Abraham: my word hath no place in your hearts. Scofield Reference Notes [1] Abraham's Cf. Jn 8:39. The contrast, "I know that ye are Abraham's seed"--"If ye were Abraham's children," is that between the natural and the spiritual posterity of Abraham. The Israelitish people and Ishmaelites are the former; all who are "of like precious faith with Abraham," whether Jews or Gentiles, are the latter Rom 9:6-8 Gal 3:6-14. See "Abrahamic Covenant," See Scofield Note: "Gen 15:18". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 37-41. ye seek to kill me-He had said this to their face before: He now repeats it, and they do not deny it; yet are they held back, as by some marvellous spell-it was the awe which His combined dignity, courage, and benignity struck into them. because my word hath no place in you-When did ever human prophet so speak of His words? They tell us of "the word of the Lord" coming to them. But here is One who holds up "His word" as that which ought to find entrance and abiding room for itself in the souls of all who hear it. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 8:37-40 Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place, no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham's works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families, and always walk before God. | 
