John 10:35
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Original Language Analysis
ἐκείνους
them
G1565
ἐκείνους
them
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
2 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
θεοῦ
gods
G2316
θεοῦ
gods
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 17
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,
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
8 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
gods
G2316
θεοῦ
gods
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐγένετο
came
G1096
ἐγένετο
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
11 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Luke 16:17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.Acts 1:16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish debates assumed Scripture's complete authority—disputes centered on interpretation, not whether the text was authoritative. Jesus operates within this framework, demonstrating that His deity claims align with Scripture properly understood. This verse became foundational for Christian doctrine of biblical inerrancy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's statement that 'scripture cannot be broken' shape Christian understanding of biblical authority?
- If Jesus trusted Scripture's every word as unbreakable, how should believers approach modern challenges to biblical reliability?
- What's the relationship between trusting Scripture's authority about Christ and trusting Christ's authority about Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken (εἰ ἐκείνους εἶπεν θεοὺς πρὸς οὓς ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή, ei ekeinous eipen theous pros hous ho logos tou theou egeneto, kai ou dynatai lythenai he graphe)—Jesus's parenthetical statement about Scripture's inviolability is crucial. The phrase οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή (ou dynatai lythenai he graphe, 'the Scripture cannot be broken') affirms biblical inerrancy and authority. If even Psalm 82's metaphorical use of 'gods' is authoritative and unbreakable, how much more the rest of Scripture?
Jesus grounds His entire defense on Scripture's absolute trustworthiness—every word matters and stands forever. This contradicts modern approaches that pick and choose biblical authority. Jesus's complete confidence in Scripture's integrity provides the model for Christian faith: God's written Word is unbreakable, therefore what it says about God's incarnate Word is absolutely true.