Definition: Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 8:58. It’s a statement that's often misunderstood and has been used to challenge Christian faith for centuries. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: What it Means: This verse is saying that Jesus is eternally existing – meaning he was always with God, before anything else existed. It’s not about him being "old" in a human sense; it's about his existence as a distinct and perfect being. Let’s break it down further: “John 8:58” : This is a specific passage within the Gospel of John, which tells us about Jesus’ ministry on Earth. “Jesus said unto them…” : This means Jesus is speaking to a group of people. “Verily, verily, I say unto you…” : This is a powerful phrase that means "Truly, truly..." It's an emphatic declaration. What it’s really saying: Jesus is asserting his own absolute existence and divinity. He's declaring that he was created before anything else – before humanity, before God, even before the creation of the universe. Why it’s a challenge to some: Many people find this statement difficult because it seems to contradict the idea of a limited time of creation or a beginning for humans. It challenges the conventional understanding that humans came into being with Jesus. It's been used by some to argue that Jesus wasn't truly God, and therefore, didn’t exist before creation. Important Context - It's not about being a human: The key thing to understand is that this isn’t about Jesus being human. It’s about his eternity . He was created in the beginning with God. It’s a statement of his absolute, unchanging nature. In short, it's a profound declaration of Jesus’ eternal existence as God. --- Disclaimer: I want to emphasize that this is a complex and debated topic within Christian theology. This explanation aims to provide a simplified understanding of the verse's meaning, rooted in biblical context. Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to delve deeper into any particular aspect – such as its historical significance or theological implications?