10:30 10:30

John 10:31

10:32 10:32

Bible Versions

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Then {G3767} the Jews {G2453} took up {G941} stones {G3037} again {G3825} to {G2443} stone {G3034} him {G846}.
Once again the Judeans picked up rocks in order to stone him.
At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him.
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Context of John 10:31

The verse John 10:31 immediately follows Jesus's profound declaration in John 10:30: "I and my Father are one." This statement, coupled with His earlier assertions about giving eternal life and His sheep being secure in His and the Father's hand (John 10:28), was understood by His listeners as a direct claim to divinity. The phrase "took up stones again" indicates that this was not the first time such an attempt was made, highlighting the persistent and escalating hostility from certain Jewish leaders and factions who viewed Jesus's claims as blasphemous (John 8:59). They were reacting to what they perceived as an ultimate offense against God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus's Divine Claims: The primary catalyst for this violent reaction is Jesus's assertion of unity and equality with God the Father. This was not merely a claim of moral or spiritual oneness, but of shared essence and authority, which His audience clearly grasped.
  • Blasphemy Accusation: The act of stoning was the prescribed punishment under the Mosaic Law for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16). The Jewish leaders' immediate response demonstrates their interpretation of Jesus's words as the gravest offense against God.
  • Escalating Opposition: This verse underscores the deepening conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. His miracles and teachings were often met with skepticism, but His claims of deity consistently provoked extreme hostility, pushing His opponents to consider violent means to silence Him.
  • The Nature of Belief: The scene illustrates the sharp division among those who heard Jesus. Some believed Him, while others were so vehemently opposed that they sought to execute Him. This highlights the radical nature of Jesus's identity and the choice it demands from every individual.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "took up stones" (Greek: ebastaxan lithous) is a direct, concrete action signifying an attempt at immediate execution. In Jewish law, stoning was a public act of capital punishment, particularly for offenses like blasphemy or idolatry. The word "again" (Greek: palin) is crucial, emphasizing the repeated nature of this hostile response to Jesus's claims. When Jesus stated, "I and my Father are one" in John 10:30, the Greek word used for "one" is hen (ἓν), which is neuter. This implies unity of essence, nature, or substance, not merely unity of purpose or agreement. This grammatical nuance confirms that Jesus was claiming equality with God, which His listeners understood as blasphemy, hence their attempt to stone Him.

Practical Application

John 10:31 reminds us of the profound and often polarizing nature of Jesus's identity. His claims were, and remain, revolutionary. For those who believe, He is the Son of God, truly divine; for those who reject Him, His claims can be seen as offensive. This verse challenges us to consider:

  • The Cost of Truth: Standing for profound truth, especially divine truth, often incurs opposition and even hostility.
  • The Centrality of Jesus's Identity: The core issue in the Gospels is Jesus's person—who He claimed to be. Our response to His divine claims defines our relationship with Him.
  • Understanding Rejection: Sometimes, rejection of Christ is not due to a lack of evidence, but an unwillingness to accept the radical implications of His identity and authority.

This passage encourages us to reflect on our own understanding of Jesus's divinity and the implications for our faith and life.

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 8:59

    Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

  • John 5:18

    Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

  • John 11:8

    [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

  • 1 Samuel 30:6

    And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

  • Exodus 17:4

    And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

  • Matthew 23:35

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • Matthew 21:35

    And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
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