John 10:35

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

If {G1487} he called {G2036} them {G1565} gods {G2316}, unto {G4314} whom {G3739} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} came {G1096}, and {G2532} the scripture {G1124} cannot {G3756}{G1410} be broken {G3089};

If he called ‘elohim’ the people to whom the word of Elohim was addressed (and the Tanakh cannot be broken),

If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken),

John 10:35 is a pivotal verse in Jesus' defense against accusations of blasphemy by the Jewish leaders during the Feast of Dedication. It highlights His profound respect for the Old Testament and His unique relationship with God the Father.

Context and Background

This verse comes directly after the Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy and attempt to stone Him because He declared, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:33). In response, Jesus quotes from Psalm 82:6, where God addresses human judges or rulers as "gods." Jesus' argument is an a fortiori (from the stronger) argument: if Scripture can bestow such a title upon mere mortals who received God's word and authority, how much more fitting is it for Him, whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world, to call Himself the Son of God?

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Unbreakable Authority of Scripture: The phrase "the scripture cannot be broken" (Greek: ou dynatai lythēnai hē graphē) is a powerful declaration of the Bible's absolute authority, infallibility, and enduring truth. Jesus Himself affirms that God's written Word is eternally valid and cannot be annulled or set aside. This concept is foundational to Christian faith and the inspiration of Scripture.
  • Jesus' Divine Sonship: While appearing to argue from a lesser premise, Jesus subtly reinforces His unique divine identity. He contrasts His divine origin and mission ("whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world" - John 10:36) with the human "gods" of Psalm 82, implying His claim to Sonship is far superior and inherently true.
  • Defense Through Divine Revelation: Jesus defends Himself not by denying His divine claims, but by appealing to the very Scriptures His accusers claimed to uphold. He demonstrates how their own Law, properly understood, supports His identity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "gods" in Psalm 82:6, from which Jesus quotes, is the Hebrew word elohim. While often referring to the one true God, elohim can also denote powerful beings, such as angels, or, as in this context, human judges or rulers who served as God's representatives on earth, administering justice according to His laws. Jesus' point is that if these human authorities, because they received God's word and were entrusted with divine authority, could be called "gods" by God Himself, then His own unique Sonship is beyond question.

Practical Application and Significance

John 10:35 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Word: Jesus' affirmation that "the scripture cannot be broken" provides immense comfort and certainty. It assures us that the Bible is fully reliable, authoritative, and unchanging. We can build our lives and faith on its truths.
  • Understanding Jesus' Claims: This verse helps us grasp the depth of Jesus' identity. He is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the sanctified Son of God, uniquely sent by the Father.
  • Using Scripture Wisely: Like Jesus, we are called to know and rightly apply God's Word, using it as a source of truth, defense, and guidance in a world that often challenges divine revelation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 24:35

    Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

  • Romans 13:1

    ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

  • Luke 24:46

    And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

  • Luke 16:17

    And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

  • Genesis 15:1

    ¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

  • Acts 1:16

    Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

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