John 10:34

Authorized King James Version

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
αὐτοῖς
them
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
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
Οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ἔστιν
Is it
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#7
γεγραμμένον
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
νόμῳ
law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#11
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#12
Ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#13
εἶπα
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#14
Θεοί
gods
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
ἐστε
Ye are
ye are

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources