John 10:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} I do {G4160}, though {G2579} ye believe {G4100} not {G3361} me {G1698}, believe {G4100} the works {G2041}: that {G2443} ye may know {G1097}, and {G2532} believe {G4100}, that {G3754} the Father {G3962} is in {G1722} me {G1698}, and I {G2504} in {G1722} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if I am, then, even if you don’t trust me, trust the deeds; so that you may understand once and for all that the Father is united with me, and I am united with the Father.”

Berean Standard Bible

But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”

American Standard Version

But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 10:38, Jesus provides a powerful defense of His divine identity and unity with the Father, urging His skeptical audience to consider the undeniable evidence of His miraculous works if they struggle to believe His words alone. This verse serves as a climactic appeal, presenting His deeds not merely as demonstrations of power, but as irrefutable attestation to the profound, mutual indwelling relationship between the Son and the Father, thereby validating His claims of divine sonship and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a heated confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders at 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"). Following His profound "Good Shepherd" discourse, Jesus is directly challenged to declare whether He is the Christ. He responds by asserting that His "works" (miracles) bear witness to His identity, and that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. When He declares, "I and my Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father are One")), the Jews accuse Him of blasphemy, attempting to stone Him. Jesus then engages them in a theological argument, referencing [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - You are gods") to show that even the Old Testament refers to human judges as "gods." His argument culminates in [John 10:37-38](/john/10-37-38 "John 10:37-38 - Believe the Works"), where He shifts the basis of belief from His verbal claims to the tangible, divine power manifested in His actions, presenting His works as objective proof of His unique relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply monotheistic, and any claim to divinity by a human being was considered the gravest blasphemy, punishable by stoning (as seen in [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). The concept of a Messiah was prevalent, but expectations varied, often focusing on a political deliverer rather than a divine figure. While miracles were acknowledged as signs from God, they were not automatically accepted as proof of divinity, especially if the claimant seemed to violate core tenets of the Law, such as the unity of God. Jesus' claim of oneness with the Father, particularly the "mutual indwelling" described in this verse, challenged their understanding of God's transcendence and the distinctness of divine persons, pushing beyond their established theological categories and prompting their accusations of blasphemy.
* **Key Themes:** [John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Authority of Jesus' Works** as irrefutable evidence of His divine origin and mission. Throughout John, Jesus' miracles are consistently presented not merely as displays of power, but as "signs" pointing to His true identity and glory, inviting belief (e.g., [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - First Sign at Cana") and [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the profound **Divine Union** between the Father and the Son. The phrase "the Father is in me, and I in him" articulates a unique, intimate, and essential unity—a mutual indwelling that signifies shared essence, will, and power, foundational to Trinitarian theology. This is distinct from mere agreement or moral unity, pointing to an ontological connection. Finally, it addresses the **Basis for Belief**, offering an alternative pathway to faith. If His words alone are insufficient, Jesus directs His audience to the tangible evidence of His deeds, providing a rational and empirical basis for them to "know, and believe" in His divine nature and relationship with the Father, echoing themes seen in [John 14:11](/john/14-11 "John 14:11 - Believe Me for the Works' Sake").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies to "make or do" in a very wide application, encompassing actions, accomplishments, and the performance of deeds. In this context, it refers specifically to Jesus' miraculous works and divine acts. His "doing" is not mere human activity but the manifestation of divine power and will, serving as tangible evidence of His unique relationship with the Father.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** Derived from the verb "to work," _érgon_ refers to toil, an effort, an occupation, or, by implication, an act or deed. Here, it specifically denotes Jesus' miraculous deeds and powerful acts, which are understood as divine attestations. These "works" are not just random events but purposeful, supernatural interventions that reveal God's presence and power through Jesus.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** This primary preposition denotes fixed position (in place, time, or state), and by implication, instrumentality. In the phrase "the Father is in me, and I in him," _en_ signifies an intimate, mutual indwelling and essential unity. It conveys a profound, ontological connection, indicating that the Father and Son share the same divine nature, essence, and purpose, rather than merely being in agreement or proximity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works:"** Jesus presents a logical, conditional argument. He acknowledges their disbelief in His verbal testimony ("believe not me") but offers an alternative, empirical basis for faith: His actions. The "works" (Greek: _erga_) refer to the numerous miracles and powerful deeds He has performed, which are undeniable manifestations of divine power. This clause serves as a gracious invitation to those struggling with His claims, urging them to consider the objective evidence that speaks for itself.
* **"that ye may know, and believe,"** This phrase articulates the purpose and desired outcome of observing His works. The conjunction "that" (Greek: _hina_) indicates purpose. "Know" (Greek: _ginṓskō_) implies a deep, experiential understanding, not just intellectual assent. "Believe" (Greek: _pisteúō_) signifies trust, commitment, and faith. Jesus desires that through the evidence of His works, they would move from mere observation to a profound, transformative recognition and acceptance of His true identity. The pairing of "know" and "believe" suggests a progression from intellectual apprehension to spiritual conviction.
* **"that the Father [is] in me, and I in him."** This is the core theological truth Jesus desires them to grasp. The preposition "in" (Greek: _en_) signifies a profound, mutual indwelling, indicating an essential unity of nature, will, and purpose between the Father and the Son. This is not merely a moral or relational agreement but an ontological reality—they share the same divine essence. This statement directly addresses the accusation of blasphemy by asserting His unique, divine relationship with God, a relationship that His works undeniably attest to.

#### Literary Devices
[John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Argument from Evidence**, where Jesus shifts the basis of His appeal from His verbal claims to the tangible, observable reality of His "works." This rhetorical strategy aims to persuade His skeptical audience by appealing to their senses and reason, providing objective proof for His divine identity. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the phrase "the Father is in me, and I in him," which emphasizes the reciprocal and mutual nature of their indwelling relationship. This symmetrical structure underscores the complete unity and co-inherence of the divine persons. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through repetition, particularly of the word "believe" (Greek: _pisteúō_), highlighting the critical importance of faith as the appropriate response to the evidence presented. The entire passage functions as a **Rhetorical Appeal**, designed to overcome resistance and lead the listeners to a deeper understanding and acceptance of who Jesus truly is.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") is a cornerstone for understanding the profound Christology of John's Gospel, particularly the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. It asserts the **ontological unity** of Jesus with God, moving beyond mere moral agreement to a shared divine essence. This concept of mutual indwelling (perichoresis) is foundational to Trinitarian theology, demonstrating that the Father and Son are distinct persons yet perfectly united in being, will, and action. Jesus' works are not just miracles but divine "signs" that reveal this intimate union, serving as the Father's testimony to the Son. This verse also highlights the **epistemology of faith**, suggesting that belief can be fostered not only through direct revelation (Jesus' words) but also through empirical evidence (His works), providing a robust basis for conviction. It underscores that God provides ample testimony to His nature and His Son's identity, inviting humanity to respond in faith and knowledge.

* [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Works Testify of Me")
* [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 God with Miracles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider the multifaceted ways God reveals Himself and invites faith. Just as Jesus appealed to His works as undeniable proof of His divine identity, so too can we observe the ongoing "works" of God in the world and in our lives. While we do not witness the historical miracles of Jesus firsthand, we can discern God's active presence through the transformative power of the Gospel, the changed lives of individuals, the enduring impact of the Church throughout history, and the personal experiences of divine intervention and guidance. This verse reassures us that faith is not a blind leap but can be grounded in tangible evidence of God's power and faithfulness. It calls us to cultivate a discerning eye, recognizing God's hand at work in both the grand narrative of salvation history and the intimate details of our daily existence. Furthermore, the mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son serves as a divine blueprint for the unity Jesus desires for His followers, urging us to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through Christ, characterized by shared purpose, love, and spiritual communion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "works" of God in your life or in the world today serve as evidence that strengthen your faith?**
* **How does understanding the mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son deepen your appreciation for the nature of God?**
* **In what ways can you allow the "works" of God to lead you to a deeper "knowing" and "believing" in Him?**

### FAQ

**What exactly does Jesus mean by "the works" in this context?**

Answer: By "the works" (Greek: _erga_), Jesus is referring to the miraculous deeds, powerful acts, and divine signs He performed throughout His ministry. These include healings, exorcisms, calming storms, raising the dead, and other supernatural interventions. These "works" were not merely displays of power but were intended to be tangible manifestations of God's presence and power working through Him, serving as irrefutable evidence that He was indeed sent by the Father and that the Father was acting through Him. They were divine attestations to His unique identity and authority, meant to validate His claims and lead people to believe in Him ([John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Works Testify of Me"); [John 14:11](/john/14-11 "John 14:11 - Believe Me for the Works' Sake")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "the Father is in me, and I in him"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound and unique **mutual indwelling** (often referred to as _perichoresis_ in Trinitarian theology) between God the Father and God the Son. It signifies far more than mere agreement or close relationship; it points to an essential, ontological unity. It means that they share the same divine nature, essence, and being. The Father's presence is fully in the Son, and the Son's being is fully in the Father. This mutual indwelling implies a perfect unity of will, purpose, and action, demonstrating that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good man, but God incarnate, acting in perfect harmony and identity with the Father. This concept is central to understanding the divine nature of Christ and the Trinity ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - I am in the Father and the Father in Me"); [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the Father's presence and power. The "works" Jesus performed were not ends in themselves but clear pointers to His divine identity and mission, culminating in the ultimate work of redemption on the cross. His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme "works" that reveal the Father's love and salvific plan. The mutual indwelling of the Father and Son, so clearly articulated here, foreshadows the new covenant reality where believers, through Christ, are brought into a profound union with God. As Jesus prayed in [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"), "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us," the unity He shares with the Father becomes the pattern and possibility for the believer's union with Christ and, through Him, with the Father. Thus, the "works" of Christ lead us to "know" and "believe" not only in His divine nature but also in the new life and intimate relationship available to us through His finished work, enabling us to participate in the divine life by the power of the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me"); [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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 14:20

At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

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 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?

John 14:11

Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Acts 2:22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.