John 10:34-35
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus points out that Scripture itself calls human judges "gods" because they represent God's authority, showing that such titles aren't inherently blasphemous. He's essentially saying, "If God's Word can grant such a lofty title to earthly officials, then my claim to be the Son of God is on even firmer ground."
The Jewish leaders, furious at Jesus' claim to be one with the Father, have picked up stones to kill him. Jesus calmly asks them why they're doing this, pointing out his many good works done on their behalf by divine authority. They retort that they're not stoning him for good deeds, but for blasphemy, because as a mere man, he's claiming to be God.
When accused of blasphemy, Jesus doesn't just defend himself; he pulls out the ultimate defense: Scripture itself. But what does this tell us about how God's Word functions?
Jesus' accusers are furious, ready to stone him for claiming to be God. But Jesus, instead of backing down, turns their own sacred writings against them. He quotes Psalm 82:6, pointing out that the Scripture they hold dear – what they call 'your Law' – actually uses the term 'gods' for human rulers.
This isn't just a clever debate tactic. Jesus is showing that the foundation of their faith, the very Law they claim to uphold, is a testament to God's authority and the way He sometimes bestows honor and authority upon humans.
If the Old Testament calls human judges 'gods,' why are Jesus' accusers so enraged when he claims a divine connection? Jesus is setting up a powerful argument from the lesser to the greater.
Jesus' point isn't that human judges are equal to God. It's that the Scripture, which he and his accusers both respect, uses titles of divinity for humans in specific contexts.
The Lesser to the Greater: Jesus is building an argument using a principle called 'a minori ad maius' – from the lesser to the greater. If the Scriptures, under God's inspiration, can call human authorities 'gods' (because they represent God's rule on earth), then how much more fitting is it for Jesus, whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, to claim a divine identity as the Son of God.
Understand the original words
nomos · Greek Noun
Refers to the entire body of inspired writings (the Old Testament); the term highlights the authoritative, divine nature of the sacred text.
theos · Greek Noun
In the context of the quotation from Psalm 82, it refers to those who receive divine authority or judicial office; Jesus uses it to defend His unique identity as the Son of God.
graphē · Greek Noun
A technical term for the sacred, divinely inspired writings; it signifies that the text is God-breathed and carries absolute, unimpeachable authority.
logos · Greek Noun
Refers to the objective message or truth revealed by God to His people; it denotes the authoritative revelation that cannot be nullified or invalidated.
Jesus masterfully uses a passage from the Psalms, part of their "Law," to defend himself. He points out that even divinely appointed human judges were called "gods." This highlights the leaders' hypocrisy in rejecting his divine claims when Scripture itself uses such elevated language for those acting with God's authority.
c. 1000 BC
Compilation of the Psalms
The collection of psalms, including Psalm 82 which Jesus quotes, is compiled. This forms part of the Hebrew Bible, which the Jews considered their sacred Law.
c. 200-400 BC
Widespread Jewish Diaspora
Jewish communities are established throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond. This means Jesus' audience in Jerusalem would have a shared understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures, even if they were not all native to Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with a Jewish Sanhedrin (religious court) holding some authority. This political climate contributes to the tension and the Jewish leaders' sensitivity to Jesus' claims.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Confrontation
During his public ministry, Jesus claims divine authority and identity, leading to repeated confrontations with Jewish religious leaders who view his claims as blasphemous.
This is the direct source of Jesus' quote, revealing that even human judges, in their delegated authority, were called 'gods' to highlight their connection to God's own rule and judgment.
Exodus 22:28This verse shows that rulers and judges were forbidden to revile 'gods,' which implies a recognition of their God-given authority, setting a precedent for how earthly authorities could be associated with the divine.
John 5:18The Jewish leaders here accuse Jesus of blasphemy for calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God, which directly parallels their reaction in John 10 and Jesus' defense of His divine identity.
Romans 13:1-2Paul explains that governing authorities are established by God, underscoring the principle that earthly rulers hold a delegated authority that can be associated with divine appointment, similar to the 'gods' mentioned in Psalm 82.
John 10:30This earlier statement, 'I and the Father are one,' is the immediate context for the Jews' accusation of blasphemy, making Jesus' quote from Psalm 82 a direct response to their charge that He was making Himself God.
calvinJohn 10:31-36: "Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him."
- Then the Jews again took up stones to stone him. 32. Jesus answered them, Many good works I have shown you from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me? 33. The Jews answered him, We stone thee not for the sake of a good work, but for blasphemy, and, because thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your Law, I said, You are gods? 35. If it called them gods, to whom the w…
henryJohn 10:31-38: "Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him."
10:31-38 Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mi…
Jesus points out that Scripture itself calls human judges "gods" because they represent God's authority, showing that such titles aren't inherently blasphemous. He's essentially saying, "If God's Word can grant such a lofty title to earthly officials, then my claim to be the Son of God is on even firmer ground."
The Jewish leaders, furious at Jesus' claim to be one with the Father, have picked up stones to kill him. Jesus calmly asks them why they're doing this, pointing out his many good works done on their behalf by divine authority. They retort that they're not stoning him for good deeds, but for blasphemy, because as a mere man, he's claiming to be God.
The Jewish leaders, furious at Jesus' claim to be one with the Father, have picked up stones to kill him. Jesus calmly asks them why they're doing this, pointing out his many good works done on their behalf by divine authority. They retort that they're not stoning him for good deeds, but for blasphemy, because as a mere man, he's claiming to be God.
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Disqualifying Their Rage: The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy for making himself God. Jesus shows them that their own sacred texts use such language for human representatives. Their outrage, therefore, is not based on sound interpretation but on their stubborn refusal to acknowledge who Jesus truly is and the divine authority behind his mission.
c. AD 30-33
Attempted Stoning in the Temple
Following Jesus' claims of unity with the Father and his divine authority, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem attempt to stone him, accusing him of blasphemy.
"Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—" — Jesus points out that Scripture itself calls human judges "gods" because they represent God's authority, showing that such titles aren't inherently blasphemous. He's essentially saying, "If God's Wor…
