Book of John - Chapter 8 - Verse 58

When Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am," he was making a profound statement about his divinity and eternal nature. By using the phrase "I am," Jesus was identifying himself with the name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush in the book of Exodus. In Jewish tradition, the name "I am" was considered too holy to be spoken aloud, and was used to refer to God's eternal and unchanging nature. Therefore, Jesus' use of this phrase was a powerful declaration of his own deity and existence before Abraham. This statement also demonstrates Jesus' timeless nature, as he exists outside of time and is eternal. This verse highlights the unique and divine nature of Jesus, emphasizing that he is not just a prophet or teacher, but the eternal Son of God. Through this declaration, Jesus is asserting his identity and authority as the Messiah and the one who brings salvation to the world.

Interpreting the words of Jesus, "Before Abraham was, I am," from a theological perspective reveals a profound declaration of His divinity. The term "I am" carries significant weight in the Judeo-Christian tradition as it references God's self-identification to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). By using this phrase, Jesus asserts his eternal existence, transcending time and asserting his pre-existence before Abraham. This statement underscores Jesus' divine nature and his equality with God the Father. Therefore, this verse serves as a powerful testament to the deity of Christ and his timeless existence. Furthermore, the phrase "I am" in Greek (ἐγὼ εἰμί) signifies a present state of being and emphasizes that Jesus is the eternal and unchanging God. Overall, this verse not only reaffirms Jesus' divine identity but also establishes His authority and eternal existence, making it a pivotal declaration in Christian theology.