I AM HE or I AM?

[MissKate13]

Ego Eimi = I AM
There is no HE. It simply means.I AM.

There are several instances in John where Jesus applies to Himself the same expression that God used at the burning bush: “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

(John 8:24). The word “He” is in italics indicating the translators’ insertion. However, in keeping with the theme of John, as well as the immediate context, its insertion is unwarranted and obscures the power of Jesus’ statement. He was, in fact, forthrightly declaring His deity to the hard-hearted Jews by identifying Himself with the same Deity that Moses encountered at the burning bush.

This fact is evident in the context. Three verses later, in John 8:28, Jesus again states I AM. Translators place the “He” in italics.

For a third time, in John 8:58 , Jesus pointedly presses the fact to bring closure to His confrontation: Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

The Jews correctly understood that Jesus was making a direct claim to Deity, evidenced by the fact that they prepared to execute Him for the capital crime of blasphemy.

In John 4:19, Jesus stresses the same point to the Samaritan woman. The translators again add “He” following “I AM” Jesus was connecting Himself the the “I AM” of the burning bush.

The apostles were gripped by fear for their lives, seeing Jesus walking on the water toward their boat. “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid’” (John 6:20). The English reader would likely never know that the words “It is I” are a translation of the Greek ego eimi, “I am.” Undoubtedly, Jesus was again calling attention to His divinity—as indicated by “I AM. Be not afraid.

”On the occasion when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in John 13:19, He said to them, “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:19). The word He was added. Once again, Jesus was deliberately spotlighting His divinity to His disciples by identifying Himself with the burning bush episode. He intended to emphasize to them that they would realize that He is the great “I AM.”

My personal favorite is John 18:4-5. When the mob came to arrest Jesus, He asks, “Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He’” (John 18:4-5). Once again, “He” is in italics.

Notice the reaction. They drew back and fell to the ground. Remember, that these soldiers were not Romans. They were Jewish soldiers sent by the chief priests and Pharisees. They were well aware of the import of the expression “I AM.”

Jesus enlisted the use of “I am” in seven additional instances when He offered descriptions of His divine nature, each prefaced by EGO EIM.
1. “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35).
2. “I am the Light of the world” (8:12).
3. “I am the Door” (10:9).
4. “I am the Good Shepherd” (10:4).
5. “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25).
6. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (14:6).
7. “I am the Vine” (15:5).
In each of these cases, a feature of Jesus’ Person is spotlighted that can only describe deity. No mere human being can rightfully be said to be the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, etc. These glorious affirmations pertain solely to Christ in His divine state.

Insering the word “He” was not only unnecessary, its insertion obscures and softens the force of Jesus’ claim explicitly linking Himself directly to the statement spoken by God to Moses at the burning bush. Indeed, the very heart and core of Christianity is Christ as the divine Son of God. One cannot even be a Christian unless that divinity is orally confessed prior to conversion (Romans 10:9-10).

Unless you believe Jesus when He says EGO EIMI, translated I AM, you will die in your sins.

[MissKate13]

[Replying to tam in post #10]

We’re talking about Jesus here, and the number of times the word “he” has been added to I AM in the English translations. Read the OP.

PS I did respond to your post #464 in the Jesus and JW’s thread.

[Ross]

It is just another instance of the New World Translation distorting their Bible beyond reasonable connection with any interlinear or faithful wording with the manuscripts, with the sole purpose of marrying the Bible to their pre-conceived doctrine.
To do this is bad enough, but to defend it with any form of twist of words and sentences one can muster is no less than processed deception.
It is not really the fault of those JW's on this forum. They are simply copying or paraphrasing what they have read from Watchtower books and magazines into this and every discussion.
They have never worked out anything on their own. This is why they all believe exactly the same as each other.

[tam]

Peace to you,

Ego Eimi = I AM
There is no HE. It simply means.I AM.

Languages don't always translate word for word. Sometimes words must be added to make sense in the new language, and yes, sometimes translators can make mistakes.

There are several instances in John where Jesus applies to Himself the same expression that God used at the burning bush: “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

Well, that is the claim. But just using the words "ego eimi" (in any order) does not mean that a person is claiming to be God.

(John 8:24). The word “He” is in italics indicating the translators’ insertion. However, in keeping with the theme of John, as well as the immediate context, its insertion is unwarranted and obscures the power of Jesus’ statement. He was, in fact, forthrightly declaring His deity to the hard-hearted Jews by identifying Himself with the same Deity that Moses encountered at the burning bush.

Again, that is the claim.

This fact is evident in the context. Three verses later, in John 8:28, Jesus again states I AM. Translators place the “He” in italics.

For a third time, in John 8:58 , Jesus pointedly presses the fact to bring closure to His confrontation: Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

The Jews correctly understood that Jesus was making a direct claim to Deity, evidenced by the fact that they prepared to execute Him for the capital crime of blasphemy.

Something that Christ then corrected them about (see other thread: viewtopic.php?p=1130757#p1130757 )

In John 4:19, Jesus stresses the same point to the Samaritan woman. The translators again add “He” following “I AM” Jesus was connecting Himself the the “I AM” of the burning bush.

Okay, let's look at the context with the Samaritan woman. From John 4:

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then [Jesus] declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

1 - The woman is speaking about the Messiah. It makes perfect sense that the Messiah would then answer her, "I am he".

2 - Does the woman then have any kind of reaction to the idea that she just spoke to God (YHWH)? She is not afraid that she is about to die; she has no reaction at all that she might be speaking to God, Himself. She goes away to her town and says, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?"

In context, she is thinking ONLY that He might be the Messiah (the very thing He claimed).

Woman: I know the Messiah is coming.

Christ: I, the one speaking to you - I am he.

Could this be the Messiah?


No indication or reaction at all that this man is claiming to be God, Himself. Only that He is claiming to be the Messiah.


Simply stating "ego eimi" does not mean that a person is claiming to be God (from Exodus). It makes much more sense that Christ is simply stating that He is the Messiah she just mentioned. That is the context of their conversation and there is no indication at all that she believes Christ is claiming to be "I AM" (as from Exodus).

The apostles were gripped by fear for their lives, seeing Jesus walking on the water toward their boat. “But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid’” (John 6:20). The English reader would likely never know that the words “It is I” are a translation of the Greek ego eimi, “I am.” Undoubtedly, Jesus was again calling attention to His divinity—as indicated by “I AM. Be not afraid.

Or He is just reassuring them that it is in fact Him, and recognizing His VOICE, they were reassured.

My personal favorite is John 18:4-5. When the mob came to arrest Jesus, He asks, “Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He’” (John 18:4-5). Once again, “He” is in italics.

Notice the reaction. They drew back and fell to the ground. Remember, that these soldiers were not Romans. They were Jewish soldiers sent by the chief priests and Pharisees. They were well aware of the import of the expression “I AM.”

Or He was simply answering them.

"Who are you seeking?"

"[Jesus] of Nazarath".

"I am He."


If He was saying "I AM" (as in Exodus), and that alone had the power to make people draw back and fall to the ground, why did that not make the Jews who wanted to stone Him fall back?

Jesus enlisted the use of “I am” in seven additional instances when He offered descriptions of His divine nature, each prefaced by EGO EIM.
1. “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35).
2. “I am the Light of the world” (8:12).
3. “I am the Door” (10:9).
4. “I am the Good Shepherd” (10:4).
5. “I am the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25).
6. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (14:6).
7. “I am the Vine” (15:5).

How else is a person supposed to say they are something without prefacing it with 'I am'?

I am a brunette (with some silver of course).
I am a woman.
I am a mother.
I am a servant.

Etc.

I am not claiming to be God.

In each of these cases, a feature of Jesus’ Person is spotlighted that can only describe deity. No mere human being can rightfully be said to be the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, etc. These glorious affirmations pertain solely to Christ in His divine state.

Christ is not a mere human. That does not mean that He is [YHWH]. He is the SON of God. He is the Chosen One of JAH ("Messiah"), the Holy One of God.

Unless you believe Jesus when He says EGO EIMI, translated I AM, you will die in your sins.

What do you think it means 'you will die in your sins'?

If it is something we needed to believe to keep from dying in our sins, don't you think Christ would have told us outright?


But He never claims to be [YHWH] (or part of a trinity). Not once.

He does claim to be the Messiah.

He does claim to be the Son of God.

He does claim to be "the Truth, the Way, the Life, the Resurrection, the Shepherd..."

But He does not once claim to be [YHWH].


He even states that His Father is the One whom the Jews claim as their God (John 8:54).




Peace again to you.

[1213]

[Replying to 1213 in post #4]

Jesus used the title “I AM,” the name God used for Himself in Exodus 3:14. The reaction of the Pharisees confirms this is precisely what Jesus was claiming because they tried to stone Him for blasphemy. John tells us directly that Jesus was making Himself equal with God in 5:18.

In Mark 2, Jesus heals the paralytic man and forgives his sins. The scribes who were there called this blasphemy because only God has authority to forgive sin (see Isaiah 43:25). This was a claim by Jesus to be God.

Sorry, I don't think Jesus uses "I am" as his title, or name. I think you make a wrong interpretation, because it is directly said:

Jesus said to her, Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God, and your God.
John 20:17

...My Father is greater than I.
John 14:28

Then Jesus answered and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son is not able to do anything from Himself, except what He may see the Father doing; for whatever that One does, these things also the Son does the same way.
John 5:19

And this is everlasting life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
John 17:3

And actually your interpretation goes also against what Paul teaches:

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Tim. 2:5

Forgiving sins doesn't make person the God, if God has given the authority for a man to forgive. And by what the Bible tells, also disciples of Jesus have right to forgive sins. Are you thinking they are also God then?

Of whomever you forgive the sins, they are forgiven to them. Or whomever you may retain, they are retained.
John 20:23

It is also good to know, Jesus said he spoke what God commanded him to speak, so it is God who forgives, even if it is Jesus who tells the words.

For I did not speak from Myself, but He who sent Me, the Father, He has given Me command, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Then what things I speak, as the Father has said to Me, so I speak.
John 12:49-50

[MissKate13]

[Replying to tam in post #13]

I do not have time to answer your long post.

Until you understand the meaning of I AM, you won’t grasp the impact Jesus’ words have when He says I AM. I suggest
you do some research into what I AM means.

YHWH was I AM when He told Moses “Tell them I AM sent you.” (Exodus 3:14). YHWH doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He was the great I AM in Moses day. He is the great I AM today, and will be tomorrow. He is eternal.

There is a reason Jesus says three times in John 8 “I AM.”

The point of the OP is to show that most English translations have added the word HE where it does not exist in the Greek. There is no HE in John 8:24, or 28.

John 8:24
“ I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:28
“So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am, and I do nothing on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me.

John 8:58
“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

That’s all the time I have. Sorry.

Be blessed,
Kate

Ross, if you’re reading this jump in.

[tam]

Peace to you,

[Replying to tam in post #13]

I do not have time to answer your long post.

If you don't have time to respond to my post, you can always respond later (or not at all if that is your choice). But you did start a long post, lol... so you should probably expect to get some long replies.

As it stands there is not much more that I can do except leave my post to stand as it is and refer you (or the reader) back to it.


Peace again to you.

[Ross]

Ross, if you’re reading this jump in.

MissKate, I am on holiday, or vacation as you call it over the pond. I will jump in soon as I have limited internet time until next week when I am back to work.

[1213]

...
John 8:24
“ I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.”

If "I am" means God, then that could be said also like this: “ I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that God, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:28
“So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am, and I do nothing on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me.

And that would be: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that God, and I do nothing on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me."

John 8:58
“Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

And that would be: “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, God.”

That is why I don't think in those cases Jesus is saying I am God.

[MissKate13]

[Replying to 1213 in post #18]

I AM does not translate from the Hebrew or Greek as God.

Exodus 3:14 YHWH says to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the sons of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

I AM in the Hebrew means I exist (past, present and future). YHWH was pointing to His eternal nature.

John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” I AM in the Greek means I exist (past, present and future). Jesus was pointing to His eternal nature. I AM in the Greek means I exist (past, present and future). Jesus was pointing to His eternal nature.

As Jesus said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

It’s your choice. Believe what you will.

[MissKate13]

[Replying to tam in post #16]

Exodus 3:14 YHWH says to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the sons of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

I AM in the Hebrew means I exist (past, present and future). YHWH was pointing to His eternal nature.

John 8;58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” I AM in the Greek means I exist (past, present and future). Jesus was pointing to His eternal nature.

As Jesus said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

It’s your choice. Believe what you will.