John 10:31
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐβάστασαν
took up
G941
Ἐβάστασαν
took up
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
1 of 9
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 9
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 8:59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.John 5:18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.John 11:8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.Exodus 17:4And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Historical Context
This occurred during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, John 10:22), commemorating temple rededication after Maccabean victory. Ironically, they sought to stone the true Temple (John 2:19-21) during a feast celebrating temple cleansing. Jesus walked in Solomon's Portico, where crowds could easily access building stones.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do people violently oppose Jesus's deity claims rather than merely dismissing them as delusion?
- How does repeated rejection of clear truth demonstrate the depth of human sinfulness and need for regeneration?
- What does it mean that good works cannot overcome rejection of Christ's person—that doing good without acknowledging Him is insufficient?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him (Ἐβάστασαν πάλιν λίθους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἵνα λιθάσωσιν αὐτόν, Ebastastan palin lithous hoi Ioudaioi hina lithasosin auton)—The word πάλιν (palin, 'again') references their previous attempt (8:59). Jesus's discourse about being one with the Father (10:30) triggers renewed murderous intent. The repetition demonstrates persistent rejection—they don't misunderstand His claims; they understand perfectly and violently oppose divinity in human flesh.
This sets up Jesus's brilliant defense (verses 32-38), where He distinguishes between 'good works' and the real issue: His ontological claim to deity. The rulers don't object to miracles but to Jesus's assertion of divine nature. Their consistent violence proves that humanity's fundamental problem isn't ignorance but rebellion against God's rightful authority.