Devine Scripture

John 10:24

What does John 10:24 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:24 means

The leaders encircle Jesus and demand a plain answer: Are you the Christ? Their words suggest impatience and perhaps a trap; they seek a confession they can use. Yet their problem is not lack of information but lack of faith. Jesus has already spoken and acted in ways that reveal His identity. The demand for simplicity masks a refusal to heed the evidence. Still, the question allows Jesus to testify again, now pointing to works done in His Father’s name, works that bear unmistakable witness to who He is for those with ears to hear.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the Jews came round him, saying, how long are you going to keep us in doubt? If you are the Christ, say so clearly.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the Jews, therefore, came round about him, and said to him, `Till when our soul dost thou hold in suspense? if thou art the Christ, tell us freely.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The Jews therefore came round about him and said to him: How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The Jews therefore surrounded him, and said to him, Until when dost thou hold our soul in suspense? If thou art the Christ, say [so] to us openly.

Context

In Solomon’s porch (verse 23), “the Jews” confront Jesus (verse 24), asking for a direct declaration of His Messiahship. Jesus’ reply in verse 25 appeals to His prior words and works; verses 26–29 will attribute their unbelief to not being His sheep and will offer profound promises to those who are. The exchange builds to verse 30’s assertion of unity with the Father, which will provoke a violent reaction.

v.23it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

v.24This passage

v.25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, these bear witness of me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 3:15

    And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ;

  • 2 Corinthians 3:12

    Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

  • John 8:25

    They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? Jesus said unto them, Even that which I have also spoken unto you from the beginning.

  • John 16:25

    These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.

  • Matthew 11:3

    and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?

  • 1 Kings 18:21

    And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

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