John 10:37

KJV

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} I do {G4160} not {G3756} the works {G2041} of my {G3450} Father {G3962}, believe {G4100} me {G3427} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“If I am not doing deeds that reflect my Father’s power, don’t trust me.

Berean Standard Bible

If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me.

American Standard Version

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:37 presents Jesus' direct challenge to His Jewish interlocutors, asserting that if His miraculous works do not bear the unmistakable signature of God the Father, then they are justified in withholding their belief. Conversely, He implies that the divine nature and origin of His deeds serve as irrefutable evidence, compelling them to acknowledge His unique relationship with God and, by extension, His divine claims. This verse underscores the foundational role of Jesus' actions as tangible proof supporting His identity and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly confrontational dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Following Jesus' profound declaration, "[I and my Father are one](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus' Unity with the Father")), the Jews perceive His words as blasphemy, prompting them to "[take up stones again to stone him](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempted Stoning of Jesus")" ([John 10:31](/john/10-31 "John 10:31 - Attempted Stoning of Jesus")). Jesus responds by appealing to the evidence of His works, asking, "[Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?](/john/10-32 "John 10:32 - Jesus Challenges His Opponents")" ([John 10:32](/john/10-32 "John 10:32 - Jesus Challenges His Opponents")). Their accusation is that He, being a man, "[makest thyself God](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - The Accusation of Blasphemy")" ([John 10:33](/john/10-33 "John 10:33 - The Accusation of Blasphemy")). Jesus then defends His divine Sonship by referencing Psalm 82:6, where humans are called "gods" ([John 10:34-36](/john/10-34-36 "John 10:34-36 - Jesus' Defense from Psalm 82")). Verse 37, therefore, serves as a pivotal point in His defense, shifting the focus from His verbal claims to the undeniable testimony of His supernatural actions, which He attributes directly to the Father. This sets up the follow-up verse, "[But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works")" ([John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works")).

* **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 context highlights Jesus' presence in Jerusalem, a hotbed of religious and political tension, particularly among the Jewish leadership (Pharisees and Sadducees). The accusation of blasphemy was the most severe charge under Jewish law, punishable by stoning. For a man to claim equality with God, or to claim to be the Son of God in a unique, divine sense, was considered the ultimate transgression against monotheism. The Jewish expectation for the Messiah was often tied to a political deliverer, not necessarily a divine figure. Jesus' claims, therefore, directly challenged their deeply held theological beliefs and Messianic expectations, leading to extreme hostility. In this environment, appealing to "works" was a common form of validation; prophets and spiritual leaders were often recognized by the signs and wonders God performed through them.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Divine Identity and Sonship**, asserting His unique relationship with God the Father, where His actions are not merely human but divine in origin. Secondly, it highlights the **Evidential Role of Jesus' Works (Signs)**, emphasizing that His miracles and deeds are not just acts of power or compassion, but intentional "signs" (σημεῖα - *sēmeia*) designed to reveal His true nature and mission. John's Gospel frequently presents these works as compelling reasons for belief, as seen in passages like [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Father's Works Testify of Jesus") where Jesus states, "[the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Father's Works Testify of Jesus")". Finally, the verse underscores the **Basis for True Belief**, suggesting that faith in Jesus is not blind but is rationally grounded in observable, divine evidence. This theme is echoed throughout John, inviting readers to "[believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")" through the testimony of the signs ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** From G2041, this term refers to toil, an effort, an occupation, or, by implication, an act or deed. In the context of Jesus, "works" (plural, *erga*) often denotes His miraculous deeds, powerful acts, and divine operations that demonstrate His authority and connection to God. These are not merely human good deeds but supernatural manifestations of divine power.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, this verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application. Here, it signifies the active performance or execution of these "works." Jesus is not merely talking about works, but actively performing them, making them manifest and observable. The present tense implies ongoing action.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this verse, it speaks to the intellectual assent and personal trust that should follow from observing the divine works. The negative imperative ("believe me not") highlights the gravity of the conditional statement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I do not the works of my Father,"**: This opening clause establishes a conditional premise. Jesus is not asking for blind faith but inviting His audience to evaluate the nature and source of His actions. The "works of my Father" refer to the miracles, healings, and authoritative teachings that Jesus performs, which bear the unmistakable signature of divine power and purpose. He implicitly claims that these works are not of human origin but are directly empowered and initiated by God the Father, thereby testifying to His unique relationship and unity with the Father. The "if" (G1487, *ei*) introduces a real condition, inviting scrutiny. The "not" (G3756, *ou*) is an absolute negation, emphasizing that if His works are *absolutely not* divine, then their disbelief is justified.
* **"believe me not."**: This is the consequence clause, presented as a direct command or imperative. If the condition (that His works are not from the Father) is met, then the logical and just response is to withhold belief in Jesus' claims about Himself. The "not" (G3361, *mḗ*) here is a qualified negation, used with the imperative to forbid or prevent an action. It's a challenge, almost daring them to disbelieve if the evidence is lacking, but simultaneously asserting that the evidence is overwhelmingly present. This statement underscores Jesus' confidence in the divine origin and testimony of His works as the rightful basis for faith.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:37 prominently features **Conditional Statement**, beginning with "If," setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Jesus' works and the people's belief. This functions as an **Argument from Evidence**, where Jesus appeals to observable, verifiable actions as the basis for His claims, rather than demanding belief solely on His words. There is also a strong element of **Rhetorical Challenge**, as Jesus essentially dares His listeners to disbelieve Him if His works are not truly divine, thereby highlighting the undeniable nature of those works. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** between believing Jesus' words ("believe me") and believing the evidence of His actions ("the works of my Father"), a theme further developed in the subsequent verse. The "works" themselves serve as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just miracles, but the active, divine presence and power of God operating through Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:37 is a profound theological statement, asserting that the divine works performed by Jesus are not merely demonstrations of power, but irrefutable evidence of His unique relationship with God the Father and His divine identity. It grounds belief in tangible, divine action, rather than mere human assertion. This principle establishes a robust foundation for faith, suggesting that God actively reveals Himself through the Son's deeds. Jesus' works are thus presented as the Father's testimony to the Son, making disbelief in the face of such evidence a deliberate rejection of divine revelation. This verse underscores the unity of purpose and action between the Father and the Son, where the Son perfectly executes the Father's will and displays His glory through His deeds.

* [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Father's Works Testify of Jesus")
* [John 14:11](/john/14-11 "John 14:11 - Believe Me for the Works' Sake")
* [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus Approved by Miracles, Wonders, and Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless invitation to examine the evidence for Jesus' claims. In a world often skeptical of religious truth, Jesus Himself points to His actions as the compelling proof of His divine origin and authority. For us today, while we do not witness His miracles firsthand, the biblical record of His life, His transformative teachings, His perfect character, and especially His resurrection, stand as the enduring "works" that testify to His identity. Our faith is not a blind leap but a reasoned response to the overwhelming testimony of Scripture and the historical impact of Christ. This challenges us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is by studying His life and works as recorded in the Gospels, allowing the divine power and purpose evident in them to solidify our conviction. It also calls us to consider if our own lives, as followers of Christ, bear "works" that testify to the Father working through us, drawing others to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "works" of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, most powerfully convince you of His divine identity?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' appeal to His works strengthen your own faith or help you articulate it to others?**
* **In what ways can our lives, as believers, reflect "the works of the Father" to a watching world?**
* **What might prevent someone today from "believing the works" of Jesus, and how can those barriers be addressed?**

### FAQ
**Did Jesus perform miracles to prove He was God?**

Answer: Yes, Jesus consistently presented His miraculous "works" as evidence of His divine origin and unique relationship with God the Father. In [John 10:37](/john/10-37 "John 10:37 - Jesus' Works as Evidence"), He explicitly states that if His works are not from the Father, then they should not believe Him. Conversely, His follow-up in [John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") urges them to "believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him." The Gospel of John, in particular, frames Jesus' miracles not just as acts of compassion, but as "signs" (Greek: *sēmeia*) intended to reveal His glory and lead people to faith in Him as the Son of God ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). These works testified to His authority, His power over nature, sickness, and death, and ultimately, His unity with the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:37 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the entirety of Jesus' earthly ministry, which was characterized by works that perfectly manifested the Father's will and power. Jesus, as the incarnate Son, did not merely speak divine truth; He embodied it through His actions. Every miracle, every healing, every demonstration of authority over sin, sickness, and death was a "work of the Father" ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me Does the Works")), testifying to His unique divine identity and His mission to reveal God. His ultimate "work" was His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which fully accomplished the Father's redemptive plan for humanity ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). These works validate His claims as the Messiah and the Son of God, providing the irrefutable basis for faith. Therefore, our belief in Christ is not based on human philosophy or mere sentiment, but on the undeniable evidence of His divine works, culminating in the work of salvation that reconciles us to God ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). He is the one through whom the Father's power and love are fully revealed and enacted, inviting all to believe and receive eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 15:24

If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

John 10:25

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

John 12:37

¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

John 12:40

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Matthew 11:20

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Matthew 11:24

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

John 5:31

¶ If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.