Devine Scripture

John 10:35

What does John 10:35 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:35 means

Jesus adds, “the scripture cannot be broken,” affirming its absolute authority and reliability. He notes that those called “gods” were people to whom God’s word came—human agents bearing divine commission. If the inspired text uses such language without error, then His claim must be evaluated within Scripture’s own categories. The argument is from the lesser to the greater: if representatives can bear exalted titles, the sanctified, sent Son’s claim is not outrageous. He forces His opponents to reckon with Scripture they revere, exposing that their offense arises not from biblical fidelity but from unbelief in Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken),

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken),

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If he said they were gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Writings may not be broken),

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if them he did call gods unto whom the word of God came, (and the Writing is not able to be broken,)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If he called them gods to whom the word of God was spoken; and the scripture cannot be broken:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If he called themgods to whom the word ofGod came (and the scripture cannot be broken),

Context

Continuing the scriptural defense begun in verse 34, verse 35 underscores the authority of Scripture and clarifies its original referent. This paves the way for verse 36, where Jesus applies the reasoning to His own person and mission as the sanctified, sent Son of God. Immediately afterward, in verses 37–38, He will again direct them to the empirical validation—the works—that confirm His claims.

v.34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

v.35This passage

v.36say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 16:17

    But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.

  • Matthew 5:18

    For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.

  • 1 Samuel 14:36

    And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

  • Luke 24:26

    Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?

  • Acts 1:16

    Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • Genesis 15:1

    After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

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