John 10:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 10:35, Jesus defends His claim to divine Sonship against accusations of blasphemy from Jewish leaders by appealing to the authority of Scripture. He quotes [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges"), where God Himself refers to human judges as "gods," using this as an *a fortiori* argument to establish the legitimacy of His own divine identity, emphasizing that the Word of God, once spoken, is immutable and cannot be annulled or set aside.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") is embedded within a tense confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish authorities during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has just declared, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")), which the Jewish leaders interpret as blasphemy, leading them to "[take up stones again to stone him](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempted Stoning")" ([John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempted Stoning")). Their explicit charge is, "[because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Accusation of Blasphemy")" ([John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Accusation of Blasphemy")). Jesus' response in [John 10:34-36](/john/10-34-36 "John 10:34-36 - Jesus' Defense from Scripture") is a brilliant defense, appealing to their own Law. He quotes [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges") to demonstrate that if Scripture can apply the term "gods" to human judges who merely received God's word, how much more legitimate is His claim to be the Son of God, whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world. This passage highlights the ongoing conflict in John's Gospel between Jesus' self-revelation and the Jewish leaders' inability or unwillingness to accept it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusation of blasphemy was extremely serious in first-century Judaism, punishable by stoning (cf. [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Penalty for Blasphemy")). The Jewish leaders understood Jesus' claim to be "one with the Father" as a direct usurpation of God's unique divinity, a capital offense. Jesus' defense draws upon [Psalm 82](/psalms/82 "Psalm 82 - God Judges Among the Gods"), a psalm where God stands in the divine assembly and judges unjust rulers, referring to them as "gods" or "sons of the Most High." In ancient Israel, judges were considered God's representatives on earth, administering divine justice. They were entrusted with God's "word" (His law, His decrees) and were to embody His righteousness. Thus, the title "gods" (Hebrew: *elohim*) in this context referred to their divinely appointed authority and sacred office, not their inherent divine nature. Jesus' argument leverages this understanding of delegated authority to underscore the even greater, inherent authority of His own Sonship. The phrase "the scripture cannot be broken" also reflects a deeply held Jewish belief in the absolute, inviolable authority of the Torah and the Prophets, which Jesus fully affirms.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **unbreakable authority and infallibility of Scripture**. Jesus' declaration that "the scripture cannot be broken" serves as a foundational affirmation of the divine inspiration and enduring truth of God's written Word, a concept echoed in [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' unique divine Sonship and identity**. While seemingly arguing from a lesser premise, Jesus subtly elevates His own claim by contrasting His inherent relationship with the Father ("whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world" - [John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus' Divine Commission")) with the merely delegated authority of human judges. His argument is not that He is just another "god" like the judges, but that if they could be called "gods" by God's word, His own, greater claim as the Son of God is utterly legitimate. Thirdly, it reveals Jesus' **masterful use of Scripture** in defending His claims and exposing the flawed interpretations of His adversaries. He demonstrates that a proper understanding of the Law, which His accusers claimed to uphold, actually supports His divine identity and mission, rather than contradicting it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Greek, _theós'_):** From G2316. This term, while most often referring to the supreme Divinity, can also figuratively denote a magistrate or, by Hebraism, something "very" or "exceeding." In the context of [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges"), from which Jesus quotes, *theós* (representing the Hebrew *elohim*) refers to human judges or rulers who were divinely appointed and acted as God's representatives on earth, entrusted with His authority and word. Jesus' use highlights that even these human figures, due to their reception of God's word and delegated authority, were given a divine appellation by God Himself.
* **came (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096. This verb signifies "to cause to be" or "to become," indicating something coming into being or happening. In the phrase "unto whom the word of God came," it emphasizes the active reception or bestowal of God's divine revelation and authority upon these human judges. It implies a divine initiative and a transformative event, signifying that they were not inherently "gods" but became so in a functional sense by virtue of God's word being given to them.
* **scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From G1124. This term refers to a document, specifically "holy Writ" or its contents. In this context, it denotes the Old Testament, the written Word of God. Jesus' declaration that "the scripture cannot be broken" asserts the absolute, inviolable, and enduring authority of this divine document. It signifies that what is written in God's Word is eternally valid, true, and cannot be annulled, disproven, or set aside.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he called them gods":** Jesus begins His defense by referring to a specific passage in the Old Testament ([Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges")). The "he" implicitly refers to God Himself, who, in the psalm, addresses human judges as "gods" (*elohim*). This opening clause sets up the premise of Jesus' *a fortiori* argument, drawing on a precedent within their own sacred texts.
* **"unto whom the word of God came":** This phrase clarifies the basis upon which these human judges were called "gods." It was not due to their inherent divinity but because they were recipients of God's divine word, signifying their appointment, authority, and responsibility to administer justice according to God's law. This emphasizes the functional and delegated nature of their "godhood."
* **"and the scripture cannot be broken":** This is a profound declaration of biblical authority. Jesus asserts that the written Word of God is immutable, infallible, and eternally valid. It cannot be annulled, contradicted, or set aside. This statement serves as the unshakeable foundation for Jesus' entire argument, implying that if the Scripture says something, it is true and binding, even if it seems counterintuitive to His accusers.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several powerful literary devices in [John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") to construct His defense. The primary device is an **A Fortiori Argument** (argument from the stronger). Jesus argues that if the lesser case (human judges, who merely received God's word, were called "gods" by God Himself in Scripture) is true and undeniable, then the greater case (Jesus, who is inherently the Son of God, sanctified and sent by the Father) must be even more true and undeniable. This form of reasoning is highly persuasive, especially when appealing to an authority (Scripture) that both parties acknowledge. Secondly, there is a clear instance of **Intertextuality** through Jesus' direct quotation of [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges"). This not only grounds His argument in the Old Testament, which His Jewish accusers revered, but also showcases His profound knowledge and application of Scripture. Finally, the declaration "the scripture cannot be broken" functions as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Axiom**. It is a definitive statement of truth that serves as an unassailable premise, reinforcing the absolute authority and immutability of God's Word, a principle that Jesus Himself upholds and embodies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") stands as a cornerstone for understanding the authority of Scripture and the unique identity of Jesus Christ. The phrase "the scripture cannot be broken" is a powerful affirmation of the Bible's divine inspiration, infallibility, and enduring truth. It signifies that God's Word is not merely human opinion or historical record, but a divinely authoritative revelation that cannot be annulled, contradicted, or set aside. This principle undergirds all Christian theology, establishing the Bible as the ultimate standard for faith and practice. Furthermore, Jesus' argument, while seemingly a concession to His accusers' understanding of "gods," subtly elevates His own claim. He is not merely a human judge or a delegated authority; He is the one "whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world" ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus' Divine Commission")). This distinction highlights His unique, inherent divine Sonship, demonstrating that His identity is not conferred by office but by nature and divine commission. The passage thus reinforces the profound truth of Christ's deity and His inseparable unity with the Father, while simultaneously validating the absolute reliability of the Old Testament.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")
* [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Judges in the Divine Assembly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") offers profound insights for believers today, primarily reinforcing our confidence in the absolute authority and reliability of God's Word. In a world constantly challenging truth and authority, Jesus' declaration that "the scripture cannot be broken" provides an anchor for our faith. It assures us that the Bible is not a collection of outdated myths but the living, enduring, and infallible Word of God upon which we can confidently build our lives, our theology, and our understanding of reality. This verse also deepens our appreciation for Jesus' unique identity. He is not merely a wise teacher or a good example, but the very Son of God, whose claims are not only consistent with but also superior to the highest forms of delegated authority found in the Old Testament. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His reverence for Scripture, to study it diligently, and to allow its unchanging truth to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and inform our witness. Just as Jesus used Scripture to defend His divine claims, we too can rely on its power and truth to navigate the complexities of life and articulate our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' affirmation that "the scripture cannot be broken" impact your personal trust in the Bible's authority and truthfulness?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge or deepen your understanding of Jesus' divine identity and His relationship with God the Father?**
* **How can you, like Jesus, better utilize and apply Scripture in defending your faith or understanding challenging theological concepts?**

### FAQ

**Does John 10:35 mean that all humans are "gods" in some sense, or that we can become divine?**

Answer: No, [John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") does not teach that all humans are inherently divine or can become divine in the same sense as God. Jesus is quoting [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges"), where the term "gods" (*elohim*) is applied to human judges or rulers in ancient Israel. In that context, "gods" refers to their divinely appointed office and authority as God's representatives on earth, entrusted with administering His justice. They were "gods" in a functional, delegated sense, not in an ontological or inherent sense. Jesus' argument is an *a fortiori* one: if God Himself called these mere mortals "gods" because they received His word and authority, how much more legitimate is His claim to be the Son of God, whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus' Divine Commission"))? Jesus is not equating Himself with these human judges but demonstrating the superiority and uniqueness of His own divine Sonship.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "the scripture cannot be broken"?**

Answer: The phrase "the scripture cannot be broken" (Greek: *hē graphē ou dynatai lythēnai*) is a profound declaration of the absolute and enduring authority of God's written Word. It means that Scripture is inviolable, infallible, and eternally valid. It cannot be annulled, contradicted, disproved, or set aside. This statement by Jesus affirms the divine inspiration and truthfulness of the Old Testament, establishing it as a foundational and unshakeable source of truth. It underscores that what God has revealed in His Word is eternally binding and true, serving as a bedrock for all theological understanding and Christian faith. This principle is consistent with other biblical affirmations of Scripture's authority, such as [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable").

**How does Jesus' use of Psalm 82 defend His claim to be the Son of God?**

Answer: Jesus uses [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges") as an *a fortiori* argument to defend His claim of divine Sonship against the charge of blasphemy. The Jewish leaders accused Him of making Himself God ([John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - Accusation of Blasphemy")). Jesus responds by showing that their own Law (Scripture) refers to human judges as "gods" because "the word of God came" to them. His logic is: if these human judges, who are mere mortals, could be called "gods" by God's own Word due to their delegated authority, how much more fitting is it for Him, "whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world" ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus' Divine Commission")), to call Himself the Son of God? He is not claiming to be a "god" in the same functional sense as the judges, but rather asserting His unique, inherent relationship as the Son of God, a claim that is far greater and more legitimate than the delegated authority of the judges, especially given that the Scripture, which cannot be broken, supports the idea of God bestowing divine titles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's Word and purpose. While Jesus quotes [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - God's Address to Judges") to defend His divine Sonship by referencing human judges who received God's word, His argument ultimately elevates Himself far beyond any delegated human authority. He is not merely one to whom the word of God *came*, but He is the very **Word of God Incarnate** ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "scripture cannot be broken" because it is God's own revelation, and Jesus, as the living Word, perfectly embodies and fulfills every jot and tittle of that Scripture ([Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the true Judge, the one who stands in the divine assembly with ultimate authority, not delegated but inherent. The Father not only spoke a word *to* Him but also *sanctified* and *sent* Him into the world as His unique Son ([John 10:36](/john/10-36 "John 10:36 - Jesus' Divine Commission")), making Him the supreme revelation of God. Thus, [John 10:35](/john/10-35 "John 10:35 - Jesus' Defense of Divine Sonship") is not just a clever defense but a Christ-centered declaration: if God's written word is unbreakable, how much more so is His living Word, Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's truth, power, and ultimate authority over all creation ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "The Supremacy of Christ"), [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "God Speaks Through His Son"))?

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

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.