King James Version

What Does John 10:32 Mean?

John 10:32 in the King James Version says “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?”

John 10:32 · KJV

Context

30

I and my Father are one.

31

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father (ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Πολλὰ ἔργα καλὰ ἔδειξα ὑμῖν ἐκ τοῦ πατρός, apekrithe autois ho Iesous· Polla erga kala edeixa hymin ek tou patros)—Jesus emphasizes πολλά (polla, 'many') and καλά (kala, 'good, beautiful, noble') works sourced ἐκ τοῦ πατρός (ek tou patros, 'from the Father'). His miracles authenticated His divine mission (John 5:36; 10:25). For which of those works do ye stone me? (διὰ ποῖον αὐτῶν ἔργον ἐμὲ λιθάζετε, dia poion auton ergon eme lithazete)—rhetorical question exposing their illogic: His works prove deity rather than merit death.

Jesus forces them to admit the real issue isn't His actions but His identity. No amount of good works satisfies those who reject His person. This applies to all religious people who appreciate Jesus's teachings or miracles but refuse His Lordship—ultimately, the issue is always 'who do you say that I am?'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus had healed the blind man (John 9), freed the demonized, fed thousands, and performed countless miracles throughout Judea and Galilee. The religious leaders couldn't deny these 'good works' (they later acknowledge Jesus did 'many miracles,' John 11:47), but works proving deity threaten their authority and theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's appeal to His works demonstrate that God provides sufficient evidence for faith to those willing to believe?
  2. Why do people often admire Jesus's ethical teachings while rejecting His divine claims—what makes His person more offensive than His principles?
  3. What does it mean that religious opposition to Christ focuses on His identity rather than His actions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 19

“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)

αὐτῶν2 of 19

“of those”

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 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Πολλὰ5 of 19

“Many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

καλὰ6 of 19

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἔργον7 of 19

“works”

G2041

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

ἔδειξα8 of 19

“have I shewed”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

ὑμῖν9 of 19

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐκ10 of 19

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ11 of 19
G3588

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

πατρός12 of 19

“Father”

G3962

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

μου·13 of 19

“my”

G3450

of me

διὰ14 of 19

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ποῖον15 of 19

“which”

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

αὐτῶν16 of 19

“of those”

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

ἔργον17 of 19

“works”

G2041

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

λιθάζετε18 of 19

“do ye stone”

G3034

to lapidate

μὲ19 of 19

“me”

G3165

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 10:32 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 10:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 4:4Matthew 11:5John 5:19-20Psalms 109:4-5Psalms 35:12Acts 2:22

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