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John 10:38

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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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

This verse is part of Jesus' defense against the Jewish leaders who are questioning his identity and authority, specifically after he claimed, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). They accuse him of blasphemy, but Jesus points them to the undeniable evidence of his actions.

Context

In John chapter 10, Jesus presents himself as the Good Shepherd. Following this, confrontation arises as the Jews ask him directly if he is the Christ. Jesus responds by saying he has told them, but they do not believe. He then immediately points to his "works done in my Father's name" as the true witnesses to his identity (John 10:25). Verse 38 is a direct plea for them, if they cannot accept his words alone, to at least consider the powerful and miraculous deeds he has performed, which are clear manifestations of divine power and union.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Works: Jesus emphasizes his miracles and actions (the works he does) as irrefutable proof of his connection to God the Father. These are not just random acts, but divine attestations.
  • Divine Union: The core message is the intimate and essential unity between the Father and the Son ("that the Father is in me, and I in him"). This phrase signifies a shared essence, purpose, and power, going beyond mere agreement to a profound, mutual indwelling.
  • Basis for Belief: Jesus provides two pathways to faith: believing his words or believing his works. Ultimately, both lead to the same crucial knowledge – the truth about his divine nature and relationship with the Father.

Linguistic Insights

The word for "works" here is the Greek erga (ἔργα), referring to deeds, actions, or accomplishments, particularly those demonstrating power or divine origin. The phrase "in me, and I in him" uses the preposition en (ἐν), which denotes being "in" or "within," highlighting the deep, mutual indwelling and unity between the Father and the Son.

Reflection and Application

This verse challenges us to consider the evidence God provides for faith. While we don't witness Jesus' miracles firsthand today, we can look at the impact of Christ throughout history, the transformed lives of believers, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world as testaments to God's power and presence. It reminds us that faith is not blind, but can be supported by evidence, especially the evidence of God's action and power. Furthermore, the concept of mutual indwelling between Father and Son serves as a model for the unity Jesus desires for believers (see John 17:21), calling us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 14:20 (11 votes)

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

  • John 10:30 (10 votes)

    I and [my] Father are one.

  • John 10:25 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.