John 10:37
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Original Language Analysis
ποιῶ
I do
G4160
ποιῶ
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 11
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
5 of 11
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρός
Father
G3962
πατρός
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 11
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus performed His works publicly, witnessed by multitudes. The Jewish leaders couldn't deny the miracles (they later admit Jesus did 'many signs,' John 11:47), but they attributed them to Satan (Matthew 12:24) or suppressed testimony (John 12:10-11). Evidence alone doesn't produce faith when the heart is hardened.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's appeal to evidence demonstrate that Christianity isn't 'blind faith' but reasoned trust based on verified facts?
- What does it mean that Jesus's works authenticate His words—how do His miracles prove His deity rather than merely power?
- Why do some people witness miracles yet remain unbelieving—what role does the will play in accepting or rejecting evidence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not (εἰ οὐ ποιῶ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ πατρός μου, μὴ πιστεύετέ μοι, ei ou poio ta erga tou patros mou, mē pisteuete moi)—Jesus invites skeptical investigation: if His works don't authenticate His claims, reject Him. This demonstrates confidence in empirical evidence. The 'works' (ἔργα, erga) are distinctly 'of my Father' (τοῦ πατρός μου, tou patros mou)—supernatural acts only God can perform: creating, healing, raising the dead, forgiving sins.
Jesus doesn't ask for blind faith but evidential faith. His works prove His identity—not as isolated proofs but as consistent testimony pointing to His divine nature. This challenges both fideism (faith without evidence) and skepticism (rejecting evidence because of philosophical presuppositions). God provides sufficient evidence; rejection stems from unwillingness, not lack of proof.