John 10:34
What does John 10:34 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:34 means
Jesus replies with Scripture: “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?” He cites a passage where human judges, entrusted with God’s word, are called “gods” in a representative sense. His point is not to deify humans but to show that the term can be used analogically without blasphemy. If Scripture can use exalted language for those bearing delegated authority, how much more fitting is it for Him, the uniquely consecrated and sent Son, to claim divine sonship. Jesus grounds His defense in the authority and precision of Scripture they profess to honor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In answer, Jesus said, Is there not a saying in your law, I said, You are gods?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered them, `Is it not having been written in your law: I said, ye are gods?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered them: Is it not written in your law: I said, you are gods?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye aregods?
Context
After the blasphemy charge (verse 33), Jesus counters by appealing to Scripture’s language (verse 34). Verse 35 will emphasize the unbreakable authority of Scripture and identify those called “gods” as recipients of God’s word. Then verse 36 will apply the argument to Himself—the One whom the Father sanctified and sent—before He again points to His works as conclusive evidence (verses 37–38).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 138:1
I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.
- Exodus 7:1
And Jehovah said unto Moses, See, I have made thee as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
- Psalms 82:1
God standeth in the congregation of God; He judgeth among the gods.
- Psalms 82:6
I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High.
- Exodus 4:16
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.
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