New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition), “Study note on John 8:58, 'I have been'”
“In this context, however, the action expressed by the Greek verb ei·miʹ started “before Abraham came into existence” and was still in progress. It is therefore properly translated “I have been” rather than “I am,” … In fact, at Joh 14:9, the same form of the Greek verb ei·miʹ is used to render Jesus’ words: “Even after I have been with you men for such a long time, Philip, have you not come to know me?””
The current study note. It acknowledges the argument that ἐγώ εἰμι alludes to the Septuagint of Exodus 3:14 and answers it from context rather than from grammar alone.
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Provenance and verification note for New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition), Study note on John 8:58, 'I have been'
Confidence note. Study note read in full on the nwtsty John chapter 8 page on wol.jw.org, 19 September 2026. Independent audit, 19 September 2026: the quotation had silently expanded the Watchtower Online Library's own Bible-book abbreviations (and, at Hebrews 1:6, dropped a parenthetical cross-reference). Restored to the wording on the page.
Corroborated by. src-nwtv-int-app2f
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-nwtv-nwtsty-note-john-8-58