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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-56.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/43_Jhn_08_56.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 8:56 - Before Abraham was Born, I Am" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. 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He saw it and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Abraham your father rejoiced in that he should see My day--and he saw <i>it</i> and rejoiced."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw <i>it</i>, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw <i>it</i> and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day, and he saw <i>it</i> and rejoiced.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw <i>it</i> and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw <i>it</i> and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham [greatly] rejoiced to see My day (My incarnation). He saw it and was delighted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it and rejoiced.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was really glad to see me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was pleased to see that my day was coming. He saw it and was happy."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see the time of my coming; he saw it and was glad." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day, and he saw it and was glad."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Abraham your forefather exulted in the hope of seeing my day: and he saw it, and was glad."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />your father Abraham was glad that he might see My day; and he saw, and rejoiced.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Abraham your father rejoiced in that he should see My day--and he saw <i>it</i> and rejoiced."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Abraham, your father, was glad that he might see my day; and he saw, and did rejoice.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he might see my day: and he saw, and rejoiced.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Abraham your father rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it, and was glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Abraham, your father, rejoiced that he might see my day; he saw it and was glad.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Abraham your father desired to see my day, and he saw it and rejoiced.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Abraham, your father, rejoiced that he could see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Abraham, our father, rejoiced that he might see my day; he saw it, and was glad.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Your father Abraham exulted for joy that he should see this day of mine: and saw it, and rejoiced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />your father Abraham long'd to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Abraham your forefather exulted in the hope of seeing my day: and he saw it, and was glad."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Abraham, your father, rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad."<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Your father Abraham longed to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/8-56.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3171" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">Before Abraham was Born, I Am</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">55</span>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. <span class="reftext">56</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patēr (N-NMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">father</a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-NMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">Abraham</a> <a href="/greek/21.htm" title="21: ēgalliasato (V-AIM-3S) -- To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult.">rejoiced</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idē (V-ASA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">he would see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1699.htm" title="1699: emēn (PPro-AF1S) -- My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeran (N-AFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eiden (V-AIA-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">He saw it</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5463.htm" title="5463: echarē (V-AIP-3S) -- A primary verb; to be cheer ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.">was glad.” </a> </span> <span class="reftext">57</span>Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a></span><br />I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a></span><br />Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a></span><br />Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-18.htm">Genesis 18:18</a></span><br />Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Genesis 22:18</a></span><br />And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a></span><br />All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Galatians 3:8</a></span><br />The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a></span><br />The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13</a></span><br />For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18</a></span><br />Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Romans 4:20-21</a></span><br />Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17-19</a></span><br />By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-17.htm">Matthew 13:17</a></span><br />For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-24.htm">Luke 10:24</a></span><br />For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-25.htm">Acts 3:25</a></span><br />And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.</p><p class="hdg">rejoiced.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Genesis 22:18</a></b></br> And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/2-28.htm">Luke 2:28-30</a></b></br> Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-24.htm">Luke 10:24</a></b></br> For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen <i>them</i>; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard <i>them</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/8-53.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-17.htm">Exulted</a> <a href="/john/8-53.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/john/8-55.htm">Full</a> <a href="/john/6-21.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/john/5-45.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/john/4-36.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/john/5-35.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/john/5-45.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/8-57.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/acts/2-26.htm">Exulted</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/john/9-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/john/11-15.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/acts/2-26.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/john/15-11.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/john/11-15.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/john/14-28.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/john/11-13.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">John 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-1.htm">Jesus delivers the woman taken in adultery.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">He declares himself the light of the world, and justifies his doctrine;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-31.htm">promises freedom to those who believe;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-33.htm">answers the Jews who boasted of Abraham;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-48.htm">answers their reviling, by showing his authority and dignity;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">59. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/8-59.htm">and slips away from those who would stone him.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His covenant with God is foundational, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan. This reference to Abraham establishes a direct link between Jesus and the Jewish heritage, emphasizing continuity in God's plan.<p><b>rejoiced that he would see My day.</b><br>This phrase suggests that Abraham had a prophetic vision or understanding of the coming of the Messiah. The joy Abraham experienced is indicative of his faith and anticipation of God's promises being fulfilled. This connects to <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>, where God promises that all nations will be blessed through Abraham, pointing to the coming of Christ.<p><b>He saw it and was glad.”</b><br>This implies that Abraham had a spiritual insight or revelation about the future work of Christ. The joy and gladness reflect the fulfillment of God's promises. <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13-16</a> speaks of the patriarchs seeing the promises from afar and welcoming them, indicating their faith in God's future redemption plan. This also highlights the timeless nature of God's covenant, transcending generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, asserting His pre-existence and divinity by connecting Himself to Abraham.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is said to have rejoiced at the prospect of the Messiah's coming.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_christ.htm">The Day of Christ</a></b><br>Refers to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, which Abraham anticipated with joy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_joy_of_anticipation.htm">The Joy of Anticipation</a></b><br>Abraham's joy in anticipating the Messiah serves as a model for believers to find joy in the promises of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Abraham's faith in God's promises, despite not seeing their fulfillment in his lifetime, encourages believers to trust in God's timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_continuity_of_god's_plan.htm">The Continuity of God's Plan</a></b><br>This verse highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pre-existence_of_christ.htm">The Pre-existence of Christ</a></b><br>Jesus' statement affirms His divine nature and eternal existence, which is foundational to Christian belief.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rejoicing_in_salvation.htm">Rejoicing in Salvation</a></b><br>Just as Abraham rejoiced in the promise of Christ, believers today are called to rejoice in the salvation that Jesus brings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'i_am'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'Before Abraham was, I am'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_verbal_plenary_inspiration.htm">How were Old Testament saints saved before Jesus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_beatific_vision.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'your father the devil'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_were_old_testament_saints_saved.htm">How were Old Testament saints saved before Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(56) <span class= "bld">Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day.</span>--They had asked in scorn if He were greater than their father Abraham (<a href="/john/8-53.htm" title="Are you greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom make you yourself?">John 8:53</a>). .His words have shown that He was. He now, with the thoughts of <a href="/john/8-39.htm" title="They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.">John 8:39</a> still present, contrasts the exultation of him whom they claimed as father, when he saw from afar the Messianic advent, with their rejection of the Messiah who is actually among them. Abraham realised the fulness of the promises made to him, and believed in the Lord that the blessing should be fulfilled to his seed. He, too, had kept God's word, and in the true sense had not seen death (see <a href="/context/genesis/15-1.htm" title="After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.">Genesis 15:1-6</a>; <a href="/genesis/22-18.htm" title="And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice.">Genesis 22:18</a>). The words, "My day," are used, as in <a href="/luke/17-22.htm" title="And he said to the disciples, The days will come, when you shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you shall not see it.">Luke 17:22</a>, for the manifestation of Christ on earth.<p><span class= "bld">And he saw it, and was glad.</span>--This is the historic fulfilment of the joy which looked forward to the day of Christ. Our Lord reveals here a truth of the unseen world that is beyond human knowledge or explanation. From that world Abraham was cognisant of the fact of the Incarnation, and saw in it the accomplishment of the promise which had brought joy to shepherds watching their flocks, as the Patriarch had watched his; there came an angel, as angels had come to him, and a multitude of the heavenly host, exulting in the good news to men. In that joy Abraham had part. The truth comes as a ray of light across the abyss which separates the saints in heaven from saints on earth. As in the parable, where Lazarus is in Abraham's bosom, the rich man is represented as knowing and caring for his brethren on earth, so here the great Patriarch is spoken of as knowing and rejoicing in the fact of the Incarnation. The faculty of reason cannot explain how it is, but the faculty of faith can receive the truth that there is a "communion of saints," and finds in it a comfort which robs separation of its bitterness, and a power which strengthens all the motives to a holy and devoted life. (Comp. <a href="/context/luke/16-19.htm" title="There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:">Luke 16:19-31</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm" title="Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,">Hebrews 12:1</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 56.</span> - Christ then proceeds to the allegation that he was greater than Abraham, and exclaims, <span class="cmt_word">Abraham, your</span> <span class="cmt_word">father, exulted</span> (a word is used of tumultuous joy, <a href="/luke/1-47.htm">Luke 1:47</a>) - triumphantly rejoiced <span class="cmt_word">that he should see my day</span> (so Revised Version, margin). Winer translates the <span class="greek">ἵνα ἴδῃ</span> in the same way, though that translation really means "exulted in the knowledge that he should see." The "rejoiced to see," of the Authorized Version and Revised Version, implies that, when he thus exulted, he had seen, which is not exactly compatible or consistent with the following clause. If Canon Evans's theory of the use of <span class="greek">ἵνα</span> in the New Testament in the sense of "the contemplated result" be sound, we have a sufficient translation in "<span class="accented">exulted that he would or should see"</span> <span class="accented">my day.</span> In <a href="/luke/17-22.htm">Luke 17:22</a> we hear of "one of the days of the Son of man." All those days seem gathered together in the expression, "my day," and can only mean the whole day of his manifestation as the incarnate Word - the day in which, through himself, God had visited his people. When did Abraham exult with so lofty an expectation and desire? Many times in solemn vision and by heavenly voice and holy promise Abraham was led to believe that in himself and in his seed all the nations of the world would be blessed (<a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4</a>; <a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Genesis 17:17</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10</a>; <a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Genesis 22:18</a>). This promise made him young again. He staggered not at the promise of God. His faith was counted for righteousness. He believed that God could and would do what seemed impossible. That which he rejoiced that he should see was the day of Christ, the revelation of the Father, and the way of life proffered to all nations. He anticipated a fulfilment of the promises to such an extent that he rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. So far thee is little difficulty. Our imagination easily pictures Abraham in the sacred tumult of a blessed hope concerning that which was eventually realized in the Messianic glory of the Lord Jesus. But our Lord added, <span class="cmt_word">He saw it, and was glad</span>. And the interpretations of this clause are very conflicting. Calvin asks whether this does not contradict <a href="/luke/10-24.htm">Luke 10:24</a>, "Many kings and prophets desired to see the things which ye see, and yet did not see them." And he adds, "Faith has its degrees in beholding Christ. The ancient prophets beheld Christ at a distance, but not as present with them." We are reminded by others of <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a>, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen and greeted them from afar." Consequently, the only vision of the day of Christ vouchsafed to Abraham was the far off prophetic glance. This interpretation ignores the difference of two clauses, "exulted that he would see," and "saw it, and was glad." This second clause is supposed by Hengstenberg and others to refer to the vision of the angel of the Lord, the Logos (<a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>.), or to the revelation of the vicarious death and resurrection of Messiah in the sacrifice of Isaac (so Chrysostom and Erasmus). Others, again, have laid emphasis on the "birth of Isaac" as the fulfilment of promises previously made to his faith. Isaac was regarded as "heir of the world," and the embodiment of the Messianic hope. He was the child of promise, of the Spirit rather than of the flesh. This view has been urged by Hofmann, Wordsworth, Westcott. The proper sense was, doubtless, that, since the Lord became incarnate, Abraham's exulting hope has been realized; that which he desired and rejoiced in anticipation to see has now dawned upon him. This becomes an emphatic revelation by our Lord in one palmary case, and therefore presumably in other instances as well, of the relation and communion between the glorified life of the saints, and the events and progress of the kingdom of God upon earth. A great consensus of commentators confirms this in terpretation - Origen, Lampe, Lucke, De Wette, Godet, Meyer, Stier, Alford, Lange, Watkins, Thoma. It is objected that this kind of information about the invisible world is contrary to the manner of Christ, and would stand alone. This objection, however, ignores, and especially in the case of Abraham, other references by our Lord to the same idea and fact. The parable, so called, of the rich man and Lazarus, introduces Abraham as having been acquainted, during their lifetime, with the condition of the two dead men (see <a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Luke 16:22-25</a>). And when our Lord, in conflict with the Sadducees, would prove from Scripture and the language of Jehovah in the "passage concerning the bush" that the dead rise, he said, "Since God called himself the God of <span class="accented">Abraham</span>, Isaac, and Jacob, he was not the God of the dead, but of the living;" therefore Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were living, and not dead (<a href="/luke/20-36.htm">Luke 20:36-38</a>). In like manner, Moses and Elijah are represented as conversing with Jesus concerning the decease (<span class="greek">ἔξοδον</span>) he was about to accomplish (<a href="/luke/9-30.htm">Luke 9:30, 31</a>). St. Peter (<a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a>) declares that the angels desire to look into the mysteries of human redemption. St. Paul tells us that the principalities and powers in heavenly places receive fresh illustration of the manifold wisdom of God by and from the Church on earth (<a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Ephesians 3:10</a>). So that the idea is one in harmony with many other lines of Divine revelation. Abraham rejoiced at the advent of Christ. He has seen it, and been gladdened. The angels sang their praises at the birth of Christ, and rejoiced over one penitent sinner (<a href="/luke/15.htm">Luke 15</a>.). The patriarchs also rejoice that the promises which they handed down to the generations that would follow them have been fulfilled. The 'Midrash' declares, says Wunsche, that Abrabam saw the Law giving on Sinai, and rejoiced at it. Westcott says the "tense" is decisive against this joy of Abraham in Paradise. But the aorist simply calls attention to the effect at once produced upon the consciousness of Abraham as soon as he became aware of the day of the Son of man. Rabbinical ideas of the knowledge communicated to Abraham concerning the career of his descendants, confirm and illustrate this interpretation; while the light thus cast upon the darkness of the grave expounds the great statement, "He that continueth in [keepeth] my word shall not see death." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/8-56.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Your</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">father</span><br /><span class="grk">πατὴρ</span> <span class="translit">(patēr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abraham</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀβραὰμ</span> <span class="translit">(Abraam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was overjoyed</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠγαλλιάσατο</span> <span class="translit">(ēgalliasato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_21.htm">Strong's 21: </a> </span><span class="str2">To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴδῃ</span> <span class="translit">(idē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμήν</span> <span class="translit">(emēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1699.htm">Strong's 1699: </a> </span><span class="str2">My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμέραν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmeran)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He saw [it]</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶδεν</span> <span class="translit">(eiden)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">was glad.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐχάρη</span> <span class="translit">(echarē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5463.htm">Strong's 5463: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/8-56.htm">NT Gospels: John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/8-55.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 8:55"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 8:55" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/8-57.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 8:57"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 8:57" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>