John 10:35

Authorized King James Version

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
If
if, whether, that, etc
#2
ἐκείνους
G1565
them
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#3
εἶπεν
G2036
he called
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
θεοῦ
G2316
gods
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#5
πρὸς
G4314
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#6
οὓς
G3739
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
λόγος
G3056
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θεοῦ
G2316
gods
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#11
ἐγένετο
G1096
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
οὐ
G3756
cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
δύναται
G1410
to be able or possible
#15
λυθῆναι
G3089
be broken
to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
γραφή
G1124
the scripture
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The divine name or title here functions within theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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