John 10:34

KJV

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} them {G846}, Is it {G2076} not {G3756} written {G1125} in {G1722} your {G5216} law {G3551}, I {G1473} said {G2036}, Ye are {G2075} gods {G2316}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered them, “Isn’t it written in your Torah, ‘I have said, “You people are Elohim’ ”?

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’?

American Standard Version

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 10:34, Jesus masterfully responds to the Jewish leaders' accusation of blasphemy by quoting from their own revered Scripture, Psalm 82:6. He challenges their narrow interpretation of His divine claims by reminding them that their "law" itself refers to certain human authorities as "gods." This strategic appeal to the Old Testament serves as an _a fortiori_ argument, demonstrating that if divinely appointed human judges could bear such a title, how much more legitimate is the claim of the One whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world, thereby asserting His unique and inherent divine Sonship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly charged encounter between Jesus and the Jewish leaders during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, as recorded in [John 10:22-42](/john/10-22-42 "John 10:22-42 - Jesus at the Feast of Dedication"). The confrontation escalates after the leaders demand Jesus state plainly if He is the Christ ([John 10:24](/john/10-24 "John 10:24 - The Jews' Direct Question to Jesus")). Jesus responds by pointing to His works and His intimate relationship with the Father, culminating in the profound declaration, "I and my Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")). This statement is perceived as blasphemy by the Jews, who then attempt to stone Him for "making thyself God" ([John 10:31-33](/john/10-31-33 "John 10:31-33 - The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus for Blasphemy")). John 10:34 is Jesus' direct, biblically grounded counter-argument to this accusation, appealing to the very Scriptures His accusers claimed to uphold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) was a celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This historical backdrop of national identity and religious purity likely heightened the tension surrounding Jesus' claims. The Jewish concept of "law" (`nomos` in Greek, referring broadly to the Old Testament Scriptures) held ultimate authority. Blasphemy, defined in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - The Law on Blasphemy"), was punishable by stoning, reflecting its gravity. The term "gods" (`elohim` in Hebrew, `theos` in Greek) could refer to the one true God, but also to angels, or, as in Psalm 82, to human judges or rulers who exercised delegated divine authority. These judges were considered God's representatives on earth, tasked with dispensing divine justice, and thus, in a sense, stood in God's place.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:34 contributes significantly to several major themes throughout the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' divine identity and unique Sonship**, as He continually asserts His oneness with the Father and His divine origin ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jesus Making Himself Equal with God")). Another crucial theme is the **authority and interpretation of Scripture**. Jesus consistently appeals to the Old Testament to validate His claims and expose the flawed reasoning of His opponents, demonstrating that the Scriptures "cannot be broken" ([John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Scripture Cannot Be Broken")). The escalating **conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership** is also prominent, highlighting their spiritual blindness and inability to recognize God's Son despite the evidence of His words and works.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave" or "to write," and figuratively, "to describe." Its use here emphasizes the permanence, authority, and undeniable truth of what is recorded in Scripture. When Jesus says, "Is it not written," He appeals to an established, unchangeable divine revelation that His audience acknowledges as authoritative.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** While `nomos` often refers specifically to the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses), in this context, it is used more broadly to encompass the entire Old Testament, specifically including the Psalms, from which Jesus quotes. This demonstrates Jesus' understanding of the unified authority of all Scripture and His expectation that His Jewish audience would likewise recognize the authority of the Psalms as part of "their law."
* **gods (Greek, _theós'_):** Of uncertain affinity, this term primarily refers to a deity, especially the supreme Divinity. However, as used here and in Psalm 82:6, it figuratively refers to "magistrates" or human authorities. By Hebraism, it can also mean "very" or "exceeding." In Psalm 82, `elohim` (the Hebrew equivalent) refers to human judges or rulers who held positions of delegated divine authority, acting as God's representatives on earth. Jesus' use of this term here highlights that even their own Scriptures acknowledged certain human figures as "gods" in a functional, authoritative sense, not in an inherent divine sense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered them":** This phrase signals Jesus' direct response to the Jewish leaders' accusation of blasphemy in [John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - The Jews' Accusation of Blasphemy"). His answer is not a denial of His divine nature but a sophisticated defense rooted in their own sacred texts.
* **"Is it not written in your law":** This is a rhetorical question that serves as a powerful appeal to the undeniable authority of the Jewish Scriptures. By saying "your law," Jesus acknowledges their reverence for the Old Testament while simultaneously using it as the foundation for His counter-argument. He is forcing them to confront their own accepted truths.
* **"I said, Ye are gods?":** This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - Ye Are Gods"). In its original context, Psalm 82 is a divine indictment against corrupt human judges or rulers in Israel who were called "gods" (`elohim`) because they held positions of authority, acting as God's representatives on earth and dispensing justice. The psalm then condemns them for their unrighteous judgment, stating they would "die like men" ([Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - The Judges Will Die Like Men")). Jesus uses this quote to establish a precedent: if the Scriptures themselves could bestow the title "gods" upon mere human beings who were recipients of God's word and held delegated authority, then His own claim to Sonship, as one whom the Father consecrated and sent, is not blasphemous but perfectly consistent with scriptural precedent, and indeed, far superior.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a point, forcing His Jewish audience to acknowledge the undeniable authority of their own Scriptures and the precedent contained within them. This sets up an **_A Fortiori_ Argument** (Latin for "from the stronger"), where Jesus argues from a lesser case to a greater one. If human judges, who are merely recipients of God's word and exercise delegated authority, can be called "gods" by divine decree, how much more legitimate is the claim of Jesus, whom the Father Himself has consecrated and sent into the world? This argument relies on **Intertextuality**, the direct quotation and recontextualization of [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - Ye Are Gods"), demonstrating Jesus' profound knowledge and masterful application of Scripture. Finally, there is a subtle **Irony** in Jesus using their own revered "law" to expose the inconsistency and spiritual blindness of His accusers, turning their perceived weapon of blasphemy back on their own flawed understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:34 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine authority, the integrity of Scripture, and the unique identity of Jesus Christ. It underscores the principle that God's Word is unbreakable and consistent, even when its implications challenge human preconceptions. Jesus' argument highlights the distinction between delegated authority, given to human judges who were meant to represent God's justice, and His own inherent, unmediated divine Sonship. While the judges of Psalm 82 were called "gods" due to their office and reception of God's word, they were still mortal and fallible. Jesus, however, is the very Word made flesh, eternally one with the Father, consecrated and sent by Him. This passage therefore affirms both the absolute truth of Scripture and the unparalleled divinity of Jesus, who stands infinitely above any human authority.

* [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Stands in the Divine Assembly"): Provides the immediate context for Jesus' quote, showing God's judgment against divine beings or human authorities.
* [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does Nothing of Himself"): Reinforces Jesus' dependence on and unity with the Father, emphasizing that His actions and words perfectly reflect the Father's will, unlike the corrupt judges.
* [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"): While distinct from Jesus' unique Sonship, this verse speaks to the privilege of believers to become "children of God" through faith, illustrating a different, adoptive sense of relationship with God that is also rooted in receiving His word.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' response in John 10:34 offers a powerful model for engaging with truth and error, particularly when facing accusations rooted in misunderstanding or spiritual blindness. It challenges us to approach Scripture with humility and a desire for deep understanding, rather than imposing our own preconceived notions. We are reminded that God's Word is cohesive and authoritative, and its truths, when rightly understood, will always point to Christ. For us today, this passage underscores the importance of knowing the Bible thoroughly, not just superficially, so that we can discern truth, defend our faith, and avoid misinterpretations that lead to false conclusions about God and His Son. It also calls us to reflect on the immense privilege and responsibility of being called "children of God" through Christ, recognizing that while we are not divine, we are called to bear His image and reflect His light in the world, just as the judges of old were meant to reflect God's justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' masterful use of Scripture in this passage challenge us to deepen our own biblical literacy and understanding?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Jewish leaders, sometimes impose our preconceived notions or limited interpretations on God's Word, rather than allowing it to speak for itself?**
* **How does Jesus' defense of His unique divine Sonship encourage and strengthen our faith in His identity and authority today?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why did Jesus call human judges "gods" in Psalm 82?

Answer: In [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - Ye Are Gods"), the Hebrew word translated "gods" is `elohim`. This term can refer to the one true God, but it is also used in the Old Testament to refer to powerful beings like angels, or, as in this context, human authorities such as judges or rulers. These individuals were considered "gods" not because they were inherently divine, but because they held positions of delegated divine authority. They were God's representatives on earth, tasked with administering justice and upholding God's law. By calling them `elohim`, the psalmist emphasizes the sacredness and gravity of their office, highlighting that they were meant to act as God's agents in judging the people.

**Question?** Does this verse mean that all humans are divine or "gods" in some sense?

Answer: Absolutely not. Jesus' argument in [John 10:34](/john/10-34 "John 10:34 - Jesus' Quote from Psalm 82:6") is an _a fortiori_ argument, moving from the lesser to the greater. He is not claiming that all humans are divine. Rather, He is saying that if the Scriptures themselves, which are unbreakable ([John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Scripture Cannot Be Broken")), could refer to mere human judges as "gods" because they received God's word and exercised delegated authority, then His own claim to be the "Son of God" is infinitely more justified. Jesus' claim is not to delegated authority but to inherent, unique divine Sonship, being the One whom the Father "sanctified and sent into the world" ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus, Whom the Father Sanctified")). This passage highlights the vast distinction between human authority (even divinely appointed) and Jesus' intrinsic divinity.

**Question?** What does "your law" refer to in this context?

Answer: When Jesus says "your law" in [John 10:34](/john/10-34 "John 10:34 - Jesus' Quote from Psalm 82:6"), He is using the term `nomos` (Greek for "law") in a broad sense to refer to the entire corpus of the Old Testament Scriptures, not just the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses). The quote itself comes from the book of Psalms ([Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - Ye Are Gods")), which is part of the "Writings" section of the Hebrew Bible. By referring to it as "your law," Jesus acknowledges the Jewish leaders' reverence for the entirety of their sacred texts and appeals to the undisputed authority of all Scripture as God's revealed Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:34, though a defense of Jesus' unique identity using an Old Testament passage, points profoundly to His Christ-centered fulfillment. The corrupt judges of [Psalm 82](/psalms/82 "Psalm 82 - God's Judgment on Unjust Rulers"), though called "gods" due to their divinely delegated authority, ultimately failed in their mission to administer justice righteously and were condemned to "die like men" ([Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - The Judges Will Die Like Men")). In stark contrast, Jesus is the perfect and ultimate embodiment of divine authority, not by delegation, but by inherent nature. He is the true Son of God, the very Word who "was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) and through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). Unlike the fallen human "gods," Jesus perfectly reflects the Father's character and executes His will, demonstrating His divine power through His works ([John 10:37-38](/john/10-37-38 "John 10:37-38 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")). His claim to be the One whom the Father "sanctified and sent into the world" ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus, Whom the Father Sanctified")) is the ultimate fulfillment of God's sending His divine representative. His life, death, and resurrection validate His unique status as the Son who perfectly reveals the Father and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), far surpassing any temporary, delegated authority granted to mere mortals.

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

Psalms 82:6

¶ I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.

Psalms 82:7

But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Exodus 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Psalms 82:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Psalms 138:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Exodus 22:28

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.