Thou art a Samaritan, &c.— The Jews and Samaritans bore a mortal hatred to each other on account of religion, as we have frequently observed: hence it came to pass, that in common language, Couthi, or Samaritan, was used to signify not merely a Samaritan, but a bad man by principle and disposition; and so denoted frequentlyan inveterate enemy to the Jewish nation and religion, and a man of wicked morals. Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil. As it was highly provoking to the Israelites to be told that they were not the children of God, and as Jesus had often in the course of this conversation divested them of that glory, nay, had expressly called them the children of the devil, it is no wonder, considering the passions of evil men, that they now fell into a downright rage, and reviled him with the most opprobrious language. Disregarding the reproach which they passed upon him in calling him a Samaritan, our Lord meekly answers, John 8:49 to the latter part of their charge, that he was neither a lunatic, nor actuated by a devil: that he honoured his Father, by delivering what he revealed, and by bearing a steady and consistent testimony to the truth. Whereas they robbed him of that honour which belonged to him, by casting such opprobrious reflections upon him, and rejecting his doctrine. See Ch. 7:
Related Commentaries of John 8:48
John 8:48-49
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49 Jesus answered,I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.