reply on a technicality. These are the very Jews who believed Him (ver. 31). Stier remarks: “These poor believers soon come to the end of their faith.” The hint of the possible inconstancy of their faith, conveyed in the Lord’s words Uf ye abide in my word, is thus justified.
34. Whosoever committeth (ds 6 vrowv). Rev., more correctly, every one that committeth.
Sin (rhv dwaptiav). The definite article, the sin, shows that Jesus does not mean merely a simple act, but @ life of sin. Compare 1 John iii. 4-8, and doeth the truth (John iii. 21) ; doeth the righteousness (1 John ii. 29).
The servant (SodX0s). Or, @ servant. Properly, a bond- servant or slave. See on Matt. xx. 26.
Of sin. A few authorities omit, and read whosoever com- mitteth sin is a bond-servant. Compare Rom. vi. 17, 20.
35. Abideth not in the house forever. A slave has no permanent place in the house. He may be sold, exchanged, or cast out. Compare Gen. xxi. 10; Gal. iv. 30. House. See Heb. iii. 6; John xiv. 2. The elder son in the parable of the prodigal (Luke xv. 29), denies his sonship by the words, “ These many years do J serve thee (Sovdevw).”
36. Indeed (dvTws). Used by John only here. It means essentially.
37. Hath no place (ov ywpe?). Rev., hath not free course, or maketh no way. This rendering is in harmony with vv. 30, 31, concerning those who belzeved, but did not believe on Him, and who showed by their angry answer, in ver. 33, that the word of Jesus had made no advance in them. The rendering of the A. V. is not supported by usage, though Field (“ Otium Norvicense”) cites an undoubted instance of that sense from the Epistles of Alciphron, a post-Christian writer, who relates the story of a parasite returning gorged from a banquet and