51 Grk “thus I said to you.”
52 Grk “unless you believe that I am.” In this context there is an implied predicate nominative (“he”) following the “I am” phrase. What Jesus’ hearers had to acknowledge is that he was who he claimed to be, i.e., the Messiah (cf. 20:31). This view is also reflected in English translations like (“if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be”), (“unless you believe that I am who I say I am”), and (“if you don’t have faith in me for who I am”). For a different view that takes this “I am” and the one in 8:28 as nonpredicated (i.e., absolute), see R. E. Brown, John (), 1:. Such a view refers sees the nonpredicated “I am” as a reference to the divine Name revealed in Exod 3:14, and is reflected in English translations like (“if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins”) and (“you will die in your sins if you do not believe that ‘I Am Who I Am’ ”). See the note on Christ in .

In other versions

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Public Domain