John 10:19
What does John 10:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:19 means
Jesus’ words do what they always do—divide. Among “the Jews” there is again a split reaction. His claims are too weighty to leave anyone neutral. Division itself is not proof of falsehood; it is the predictable outcome when light exposes darkness and truth challenges entrenched positions. Some recoil, others are drawn. The Shepherd’s voice separates sheep from goats. This verse reminds us that clarity often increases conflict, but such conflict can serve to reveal who truly hears and who resists. The issue is not merely opinion but recognition of the One who speaks with divine authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
KJV
King James Version · 1611There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There was a division again among the Jews because of these words.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Therefore, again, there came a division among the Jews, because of these words,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A dissension rose again among the Jews for these words.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890There was a division again among the Jews on account of these words;
Context
After Jesus asserts voluntary authority over life and death (verse 18), the crowd divides (verse 19). Verses 20–21 capture the two responses: charges of demonic madness versus sober reflection on His life-giving works, particularly the opening of the blind man’s eyes. This prepares for the change of scene to the temple during the Feast of Dedication (verses 22–23), where leaders press Jesus to state plainly whether He is the Christ, leading to a deeper disclosure of His identity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 12:51
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
- John 9:16
Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them.
- John 7:40
Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3
for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?
- Acts 23:7
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.
- Matthew 10:34
Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
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