John 10:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 10:35
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Chapter Context
John 10 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, fellowship, redemption. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 10:35
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 13:1
- Word: Genesis 15:1, Matthew 24:35, Luke 16:17, Acts 1:16