King James Version

What Does John 10:35 Mean?

John 10:35 in the King James Version says “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 10:35 · KJV

Context

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?

35

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

36

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

37

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken (εἰ ἐκείνους εἶπεν θεοὺς πρὸς οὓς ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή, ei ekeinous eipen theous pros hous ho logos tou theou egeneto, kai ou dynatai lythenai he graphe)—Jesus's parenthetical statement about Scripture's inviolability is crucial. The phrase οὐ δύναται λυθῆναι ἡ γραφή (ou dynatai lythenai he graphe, 'the Scripture cannot be broken') affirms biblical inerrancy and authority. If even Psalm 82's metaphorical use of 'gods' is authoritative and unbreakable, how much more the rest of Scripture?

Jesus grounds His entire defense on Scripture's absolute trustworthiness—every word matters and stands forever. This contradicts modern approaches that pick and choose biblical authority. Jesus's complete confidence in Scripture's integrity provides the model for Christian faith: God's written Word is unbreakable, therefore what it says about God's incarnate Word is absolutely true.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish debates assumed Scripture's complete authority—disputes centered on interpretation, not whether the text was authoritative. Jesus operates within this framework, demonstrating that His deity claims align with Scripture properly understood. This verse became foundational for Christian doctrine of biblical inerrancy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's statement that 'scripture cannot be broken' shape Christian understanding of biblical authority?
  2. If Jesus trusted Scripture's every word as unbreakable, how should believers approach modern challenges to biblical reliability?
  3. What's the relationship between trusting Scripture's authority about Christ and trusting Christ's authority about Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰ1 of 17

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐκείνους2 of 17

“them”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

εἶπεν3 of 17

“he called”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

θεοῦ4 of 17

“gods”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πρὸς5 of 17

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

οὓς6 of 17

“whom”

G3739

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

ὁ7 of 17
G3588

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

λόγος8 of 17

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ9 of 17
G3588

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

θεοῦ10 of 17

“gods”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐγένετο11 of 17

“came”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ13 of 17

“cannot”

G3756

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

δύναται14 of 17
G1410

to be able or possible

λυθῆναι15 of 17

“be broken”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

ἡ16 of 17
G3588

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

γραφή17 of 17

“the scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

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 10:35 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 10:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:35Romans 13:1Luke 16:17Luke 24:44-46Acts 1:16Genesis 15:1

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