Definition: Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from John 8:44 together. It’s a really important and complex passage that tackles a central idea in Christianity – the nature of sin and evil. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is essentially saying that we all have a part of the Devil within us, and that tendency to do things that are wrong and harmful is inherited from him. It's not about a single person being inherently evil; it’s about a tendency or inclination. Think of it like this: we all have a shadow – sometimes it’s bright, sometimes it’s dark. Let’s unpack each part: “Ye are of [your] father the devil…” : This is a very direct and powerful statement. It means that we are not completely innocent. We all have a “father” – the Devil (or Satan). The Devil isn't a person, but rather a spiritual being who opposes God and seeks to cause chaos and suffering. He represents temptation, evil, and rebellion against God. “…and the lusts of your father ye will do.” : This is the key part. “Lust” here doesn’t just mean sexual desire. It refers to any kind of intense craving or desire for something that goes against what's good and right . It can include: Greed: A desire for more than you need. Envy: Feeling jealous of others’ good things. Pride: A feeling of superiority over others. Power: A craving to control or dominate others. “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth…” : This is a crucial part that connects to Jesus’s life. The Devil (or Satan) was a murderer – he murdered people. He didn't live a righteous, truthful life. He lived in the shadows, twisting words, deceiving people, and causing harm. “Because there is no truth in him.” : Because the Devil was so focused on evil and deception, his teachings were false and misleading. He deliberately tried to lead people astray. “When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own…” : This is where it gets really profound. The Devil doesn't just lie; he fabricates lies. He tells stories that are designed to manipulate others, to cause trouble, and to ultimately lead them away from God. He’s not simply making mistakes; he's actively trying to deceive. “The father of it.” : This is a very important word. It means the Devil is the source of all lies and evil. He is the origin of temptation and wrongdoing. So, what does this mean for us? This verse essentially says that we are all susceptible to being influenced by the Devil’s nature – our tendency to desire things that are wrong and to be drawn away from truth. We’re all born with a potential for good, but it's the Devil's influence that can tempt us into doing evil. Important Note: This verse is often used to explain why we need Jesus Christ as our savior – because he is the only one who brings true truth and overcomes temptation. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/8:44](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/8:44) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/John_8_44.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/John_8_44.html) Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you a different perspective on this verse? Discuss how this verse relates to specific stories or examples in the Bible?