King James Version

What Does John 10:25 Mean?

John 10:25 in the King James Version says “Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.”

John 10:25 · KJV

Faith

Context

23

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. make: or, hold us in suspense

25

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not—Jesus refuses their demand for a different kind of answer; He's already revealed His identity clearly. The problem isn't lack of evidence but refusal to believe. The verb "believed not" (οὐ πιστεύετε/ou pisteuete) is present tense—continuous unbelief despite continuous revelation. They keep demanding proof while ignoring the proof already given.

The claim "I told you" refers not to a single statement "I am the Messiah" but to Jesus's cumulative self-revelation through words and works. His "I am" statements (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11), His claims to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), His acceptance of worship (John 9:38)—all declared His identity. They had ears but wouldn't hear.

The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me—Jesus appeals to His "works" (τὰ ἔργα/ta erga)—miracles that only God could perform. These works are done "in my Father's name" (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρός μου/en tō onomati tou patros mou), meaning by the Father's authority and revealing the Father's character. The works "bear witness" (μαρτυρεῖ/martyrei)—legal testimony confirming Jesus's claims.

Jesus shifts the issue from His declaration to their response. The evidence is sufficient; the problem is their unbelief. John's Gospel emphasizes that Jesus's works reveal His glory (John 2:11) and prove He is sent from the Father (John 5:36). The Father testifies to the Son through these miraculous signs. Rejecting the signs means rejecting the Father's testimony.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus had performed numerous miracles in Jerusalem and Judea: healing the paralytic (John 5), feeding the five thousand (John 6), giving sight to the man born blind (John 9). These signs exceeded anything the prophets had done and were recognized as messianic indicators (John 7:31). Even Jesus's enemies couldn't deny the miracles—they could only dispute their source (demon power vs. divine power).

In Jewish jurisprudence, testimony required witnesses. Jesus presents two witnesses: His words and His works. Together they constitute overwhelming evidence of His identity. The works validate the words; the words interpret the works. The religious leaders demanded more evidence while rejecting the evidence given—a pattern of willful unbelief.

The early church defended Jesus's messiahship by appealing to His works. Peter at Pentecost declared: "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know" (Acts 2:22). The miracles were public, undeniable, and testified to Jesus's divine mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's appeal to His works challenge the demand for more evidence—when is there sufficient proof, and what prevents belief?
  2. What is the relationship between Jesus's words and His works in revealing His identity?
  3. How should we respond when people claim they would believe if given sufficient evidence, yet ignore the evidence already available?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 24

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτοῖς2 of 24

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ3 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Εἶπον5 of 24

“I told”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὑμῖν6 of 24

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ7 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ8 of 24

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πιστεύετε·9 of 24

“ye believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τὰ10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα11 of 24

“the works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἃ12 of 24

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ13 of 24

“I”

G1473

i, me

ποιῶ14 of 24

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐν15 of 24

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ16 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματι17 of 24

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ18 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατρός19 of 24

“Father's”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου20 of 24

“my”

G3450

of me

ταῦτα21 of 24

“they”

G5023

these things

μαρτυρεῖ22 of 24

“bear witness”

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

περὶ23 of 24

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἐμοῦ·24 of 24

“me”

G1700

of me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:38John 8:58John 5:17-43John 14:11John 8:12Hebrews 2:3

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