8:58a
Truly, truly, I tell you: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Truly, truly, I tell you introduces something important that Jesus would say. It is the same expression as is used in 8:51a. For example:
I tell you the truth (New International Version)
-or-
In all truth I tell you
8:58b
before Abraham was born, I am!: Jesus said that he existed before Abraham was born. By this he implied that he was not just a human being and that he had existed before he was born on earth. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
before Abraham came into existence, I am! (NET Bible Bible)
-or-
before Abraham began to exist/live, I exist/live!
I am: This phrase refers to the name by which God revealed himself in Exodus 3:14:
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (New Revised Standard Version)
When Jesus used this phrase, he indicated that he was God. If you use footnotes, it is good to include a footnote about this and refer your readers to Exodus 3:14.
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