John 10:19

KJV

¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was {G1096} a division {G4978} therefore {G3767} again {G3825} among {G1722} the Jews {G2453} for {G1223} these {G5128} sayings {G3056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again there was a split among the Judeans because of what he said.

Berean Standard Bible

Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.

American Standard Version

There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:19 succinctly captures the immediate and profound impact of Jesus's preceding discourse on His identity as the Good Shepherd. His authoritative declarations, intended to reveal His divine nature and salvific mission, did not lead to universal acceptance but instead intensified the existing polarization among His Jewish listeners, resulting in a significant and recurring division of opinion and belief concerning His claims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition, marking the immediate reaction to Jesus's profound "Good Shepherd" discourse in [John 10:1-18](/john/10-1-18 "John 10:1-18 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). In this discourse, Jesus presents Himself as the true shepherd, contrasting Himself with false leaders, and declares His unique relationship with the Father, His authority to lay down His life and take it up again ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus's Authority Over His Life")), and His power to grant eternal life to His sheep ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). The "sayings" of [John 10:19](/john/10-19 "John 10:19 - Division Among the Jews") directly refer to these weighty claims, which challenged the prevailing religious and political authorities and forced a response from the populace. The verse also foreshadows the subsequent confrontation at the Feast of Dedication in [John 10:22-39](/john/10-22-39 "John 10:22-39 - Jesus at the Feast of Dedication").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this discourse, though not explicitly stated until [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication"), is Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). This festival commemorated the rededication of the Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a time imbued with nationalistic and messianic fervor. The "Jews" in John's Gospel often refer not to the entire Jewish populace, but specifically to the Jewish leadership (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes) who were largely antagonistic towards Jesus. Their opposition stemmed from Jesus's claims of divine authority, which they perceived as blasphemous, and His challenge to their religious traditions and power structures. The expectation of a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule also contributed to their inability or unwillingness to accept Jesus's spiritual kingship, leading to deep-seated cultural and theological clashes.
* **Key Themes:** [John 10:19](/john/10-19 "John 10:19 - Division Among the Jews") powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes in John's Gospel. Foremost is the **polarizing nature of truth** as embodied in Jesus Christ; His words consistently act as a catalyst, forcing individuals to choose between belief and unbelief, revealing the true state of their hearts. This leads directly to the theme of **spiritual division**, where the message of Jesus, rather than uniting all, creates a clear chasm between those who recognize His divine authority and those who reject it, often viewing Him as a threat or a blasphemer. This pattern of division is evident throughout John's narrative, such as the varied responses to Jesus's identity and miracles documented in [John 7:40-43](/john/7-40-43 "John 7:40-43 - Division Over Jesus's Identity") and [John 9:16](/john/9-16 "John 9:16 - Division Over Jesus's Healing"). The verse also highlights the **challenge of Jesus's claims**, as His assertions of intimate union with the Father and authority over life and death were profoundly offensive to those who did not believe, leading to accusations of blasphemy and attempts to stone Him ([John 10:30-33](/john/10-30-33 "John 10:30-33 - Jesus Claims Oneness with the Father")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **division (Greek, _schísma'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to split" or "to tear," this word signifies a profound rupture or disunity, a "schism." In this context, it is not merely a difference of opinion but a deep, irreconcilable tearing apart of belief within the Jewish community. It denotes a fundamental and often hostile separation, reflecting the radical nature of Jesus's impact.
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb indicates a repetition or recurrence. Its inclusion here is crucial, as it highlights that the division among the Jews was not a new phenomenon but a consistent and predictable response to Jesus's teachings and claims throughout His ministry. It underscores the ongoing spiritual conflict and the persistent unbelief of many of the Jewish leaders.
* **sayings (Greek, _lógos'_):** This term refers to "something said," "a word," or "a discourse." In John's Gospel, _lógos_ often carries profound theological weight, especially when referring to Jesus as the "Word" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Here, it specifically points to the powerful and challenging declarations Jesus had just made about Himself as the Good Shepherd, His divine authority, and His relationship with the Father. These specific words were the direct catalyst for the division.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a division":** This phrase immediately establishes the central consequence of Jesus's discourse. His words did not bring about universal understanding or unity, but rather the opposite – a clear and distinct separation among His hearers. This division was not accidental but an inherent outcome of the truth Jesus proclaimed.
* **"therefore again":** The conjunction "therefore" indicates a direct causal link between Jesus's "sayings" and the resulting division. The adverb "again" emphasizes the recurring nature of this response. It implies that this was not the first time Jesus's words had caused such a split, reinforcing a pattern of belief and unbelief, acceptance and rejection, that characterized His ministry.
* **"among the Jews":** This specifies the group experiencing the division. As often in John's Gospel, "the Jews" here refers primarily to the religious and political leaders in Jerusalem who were consistently resistant to Jesus's claims and authority. The division was internal to this community, highlighting the profound challenge Jesus posed to their established order.
* **"for these sayings":** This clause directly identifies the cause of the division: Jesus's specific words and teachings. It was not His actions or miracles alone, but the content of His authoritative declarations about His identity, mission, and relationship with God that provoked such a strong and polarizing reaction. His claims were too significant to be met with indifference.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:19 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, as Jesus's message, intended to gather and unite His sheep, paradoxically creates a profound division among those who hear it. This highlights the inherent conflict between divine truth and human unbelief. The use of **Repetition** is evident in the word "again" (Greek: _pálin_), which underscores the recurring motif of division in response to Jesus throughout John's Gospel, transforming it from an isolated incident into a consistent pattern of human reaction to divine revelation. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating opposition that will ultimately lead to Jesus's crucifixion, as His polarizing claims continue to deepen the chasm between belief and unbelief. The verse also carries a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the Good Shepherd, who comes to give life and gather His flock, brings about a schism among those He seeks to save, revealing their spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:19 profoundly illustrates the inherent nature of divine truth to expose and divide. Jesus's words, being the very essence of God's revelation, cannot be met with neutrality. They compel a response, revealing the true spiritual alignment of individuals. This division is not a failure of Jesus's message, but rather an inevitable consequence of light entering darkness, where some embrace the light while others recoil from it. It underscores that genuine faith in Christ necessitates a clear break from the world's values and self-reliance, leading to a spiritual separation that often manifests in social and relational friction. The truth of Christ is a sword that divides, discerning between those who are truly His sheep and those who are not, ultimately leading to the separation of humanity into two distinct camps: those who believe and those who reject Him.

* [Luke 12:51-53](/luke/12-51-53 "Luke 12:51-53 - Jesus Brings Division")
* [Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Not Peace, But a Sword")
* [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ, a Stumbling Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The division caused by Jesus's words in John 10:19 remains a timeless reality. The claims of Christ are so absolute and foundational that they demand a decisive response; there is no middle ground. For those who embrace Him as the Good Shepherd and Son of God, His words bring life, peace, and eternal security. For those who reject Him, His words become a stumbling block, leading to hardened hearts and increased opposition. This verse challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus. Are we among those who hear His voice and follow Him, or do we find ourselves resisting or rationalizing His claims? The truth of Christ continues to divide families, communities, and nations, forcing every individual to confront the most important question: Who do you say that Jesus is? Our response to His "sayings" determines our eternal destiny and shapes our present reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have Jesus's "sayings" caused division in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**
* **How do you respond when the truth of Christ challenges your preconceived notions or comfortable beliefs?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of truth and its inherent power to expose and separate?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus's words consistently cause division among the Jews?**

Answer: Jesus's words caused consistent division because His claims were profoundly radical and challenged the core religious, political, and social structures of His day. He asserted divine authority, equality with God ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father are One")), and the power to forgive sins and give eternal life, which many Jewish leaders viewed as blasphemy. Furthermore, His teachings often contradicted their interpretations of the Law and their traditions, and His messianic identity did not align with their expectations of a political liberator. His words forced a choice, revealing the spiritual state of hearts and separating those who were open to God's truth from those hardened by tradition and self-interest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:19, with its depiction of division, paradoxically points to the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The very "sayings" that caused a schism among the Jews are the words of the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, who came not to bring peace to all indiscriminately, but to bring a sword of truth that would divide light from darkness ([Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Not Peace, But a Sword")). This division is essential for the gathering of God's true sheep, those whom the Father has given to the Son ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All That the Father Gives Me Will Come")). Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, came to lay down His life to gather "other sheep" who are not of this fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep")), ultimately uniting them into one flock under one Shepherd. The division highlights the necessity of His atoning work, which alone can bridge the chasm between humanity and God, and between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the immediate division in John 10:19 foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation of humanity at the end of the age, where Christ will separate the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31-33 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Separation of the Sheep and Goats")), demonstrating His sovereign authority over all.

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.

Cross-References

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.