John 10:37
What does John 10:37 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:37 means
Jesus offers a fair criterion: if He does not perform the Father’s works, they should not believe Him. He invites scrutiny. Truth welcomes examination. This is not bravado but confidence that His deeds align perfectly with the Father’s will and reveal the Father’s heart. It also removes excuses: refusal to believe in the face of authentic works indicts the unbeliever, not the evidence. The invitation dignifies reason and conscience while calling for humility before what God is doing in their midst. Jesus places His entire claim on the line with the test of divine works.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not have belief in me;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if I do not the works of my Father, do not believe me;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not;
Context
Having defended His claim from Scripture (verses 34–36), Jesus now appeals again to observable evidence (verse 37). Verse 38 will extend the invitation: even if they struggle to accept His person, they should believe on account of the works, leading to the knowledge that the Father is in Him and He in the Father. Their reaction, however, will be to try again to seize Him (verse 39).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:32
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
- John 12:37
But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:
- John 15:24
If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
- Matthew 11:20
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.
- John 14:10
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works.
- John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, these bear witness of me.
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