10:18 10:18

John 10:19

10:20 10:20

Bible Versions

¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
There was {G1096} a division {G4978} therefore {G3767} again {G3825} among {G1722} the Jews {G2453} for {G1223} these {G5128} sayings {G3056}.
Again there was a split among the Judeans because of what he said.
Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.
There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.

John 10:19 reveals the immediate consequence of Jesus's profound declarations about His identity and mission as the Good Shepherd. His words, intended to draw people to Himself, instead created a significant rift among His listeners.

Context of John 10:19

This verse follows directly after Jesus's discourse where He identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, stating His unique relationship with the Father and His authority to give eternal life (John 10:17-18). The setting for this discourse, though not explicitly stated in verse 19, is later revealed to be the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem (John 10:22). The "sayings" refer to these powerful and often challenging claims of divine authority and intimate union with God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Polarizing Nature of Truth: Jesus's teachings consistently brought about a clear distinction between those who believed and those who rejected Him. His claims were too significant to be met with indifference.
  • Spiritual Division: The passage highlights the deep spiritual divide that Jesus provoked. It wasn't merely a difference of opinion but a fundamental disagreement over who He was and what He represented. This pattern of division is seen throughout John's Gospel, such as when some believed He was the Christ, while others did not.
  • The Challenge of Jesus's Claims: For many Jews, Jesus's assertion of being one with the Father and having authority over life and death was blasphemous, leading to anger and opposition.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "division" is schisma (σχίσμα), from which we get the English word "schism." It literally means a "split" or "tear," signifying a rupture or a deep disunity. This word emphasizes that the response to Jesus was not just disagreement, but a profound tearing apart of opinion and belief within the Jewish community.

Practical Application

John 10:19 serves as a timeless reminder that the message of Jesus Christ continues to divide humanity. People cannot remain neutral concerning His claims. Every individual is faced with the decision of whether to accept Him as the Good Shepherd and Son of God, or to reject Him. This verse underscores the transformative, and often disruptive, power of divine truth entering a fallen world, forcing a response and revealing the true state of hearts. Similar reactions are seen when Jesus declares "Before Abraham was, I am" or claims equality with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 9:16

    Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:3

    For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  • Acts 23:7

    And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

  • Acts 23:10

    And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

  • John 7:40

    Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

  • John 7:43

    So there was a division among the people because of him.
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