John 10:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 10:34
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
Chapter Context
John 10 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, truth, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 10:34
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
Analysis
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ ὑμῶν ὅτι Ἐγὼ εἶπα· Θεοί ἐστε, apekrithe autois ho Iesous· Ouk estin gegrammenon en to nomo hymon hoti Ego eipa· Theoi este)—Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6, where God addresses human judges as 'gods' (אֱלֹהִים, elohim; θεοί, theoi) because they exercise God-delegated judicial authority. His argument moves from lesser to greater: if Scripture calls mere human judges 'gods' functionally, how much more can the one whom the Father sanctified and sent claim divine sonship?
This is qal va-chomer reasoning (light to heavy)—if lesser beings can be called 'gods' in a representative sense, the incarnate Word who is eternally God cannot be charged with blasphemy for claiming what He intrinsically is. Jesus isn't arguing He's merely a 'god' like judges, but defending the appropriateness of His deity claim based on Scripture's own usage.
Historical Context
Psalm 82 was well-known in Second Temple Judaism. Jesus's clever exegesis uses their own Scripture to demonstrate consistency: if the Bible uses 'god' language for human authorities, His claim to deity—backed by miraculous works—cannot be dismissed as blasphemy without Scripture contradicting itself. This rabbinical argumentation method was common in first-century debate.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's use of Scripture to defend His deity claims demonstrate that the Old Testament anticipated the Incarnation?
- What's the difference between human judges called 'gods' functionally and Jesus who is God ontologically?
- How should Christians use Jesus's example of Scriptural reasoning when defending the faith against objections?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 4:16, 7:1, Psalms 82:1, 138:1