Devine Scripture

John 10:32

What does John 10:32 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:32 means

Jesus answers not with flight but with reason: He has shown many good works from the Father—visible expressions of divine mercy and power. He asks which of these works merits stoning. The question exposes their inconsistency and invites them to reevaluate their verdict in light of undeniable goodness. Works, done “from the Father,” are meant to authenticate His person. By appealing to them, Jesus ties His ministry to the Father’s initiative and underscores that their hostility is not about deeds but about the identity those deeds reveal.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Jesus said to them in answer, I have let you see a number of good works from the Father; for which of those works are you stoning me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Jesus answered them, `Many good works did I shew you from my Father; because of which work of them do ye stone me?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Jesus answered them: Many good works I have shewed you from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewn you of my Father; for which work of them do ye stone me?

Context

Confronted with stones (verse 31), Jesus points to His good works as evidence of divine commissioning (verse 32). In verse 33, the leaders clarify that their issue is blasphemy, not the works themselves. This opens the door for Jesus to argue from Scripture (verses 34–36) and then to appeal again to His works as grounds for belief (verses 37–38), even if personal acceptance lags.

v.31The Jews took up stones again to stone him.

v.32This passage

v.33The Jews answered him, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Samuel 19:4

    And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:

  • Psalms 35:12

    They reward me evil for good, Tothe bereaving of my soul.

  • John 10:37

    If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

  • Psalms 109:4

    For my love they are my adversaries: But Igive myself untoprayer.

  • Acts 2:22

    Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;

  • Acts 10:38

    even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

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