John 10:32
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 19
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῶν
of those
G846
αὐτῶν
of those
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Πολλὰ
Many
G4183
Πολλὰ
Many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καλὰ
good
G2570
καλὰ
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔργον
works
G2041
ἔργον
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 19
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father
G3962
πατρός
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
12 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ποῖον
which
G4169
ποῖον
which
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
15 of 19
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
αὐτῶν
of those
G846
αὐτῶν
of those
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Jesus had healed the blind man (John 9), freed the demonized, fed thousands, and performed countless miracles throughout Judea and Galilee. The religious leaders couldn't deny these 'good works' (they later acknowledge Jesus did 'many miracles,' John 11:47), but works proving deity threaten their authority and theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's appeal to His works demonstrate that God provides sufficient evidence for faith to those willing to believe?
- Why do people often admire Jesus's ethical teachings while rejecting His divine claims—what makes His person more offensive than His principles?
- What does it mean that religious opposition to Christ focuses on His identity rather than His actions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father (ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Πολλὰ ἔργα καλὰ ἔδειξα ὑμῖν ἐκ τοῦ πατρός, apekrithe autois ho Iesous· Polla erga kala edeixa hymin ek tou patros)—Jesus emphasizes πολλά (polla, 'many') and καλά (kala, 'good, beautiful, noble') works sourced ἐκ τοῦ πατρός (ek tou patros, 'from the Father'). His miracles authenticated His divine mission (John 5:36; 10:25). For which of those works do ye stone me? (διὰ ποῖον αὐτῶν ἔργον ἐμὲ λιθάζετε, dia poion auton ergon eme lithazete)—rhetorical question exposing their illogic: His works prove deity rather than merit death.
Jesus forces them to admit the real issue isn't His actions but His identity. No amount of good works satisfies those who reject His person. This applies to all religious people who appreciate Jesus's teachings or miracles but refuse His Lordship—ultimately, the issue is always 'who do you say that I am?'