Meaning of John 10:34

Jesus' declaration in John 10:34, "Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’?" is a rhetorical question designed to challenge the Jewish leaders' understanding of scripture and their accusations against Him. He is directly referencing Psalm 82:6, a passage that speaks of human judges being called "gods" because they represented God's authority and exercised His justice among the people. By quoting this psalm, Jesus is not claiming divinity for Himself in the same way He is divine, but rather pointing out that the concept of humans being referred to with a term that can also denote divinity, albeit in a subordinate and representative capacity, is already present within their own sacred texts. This serves as a strategic defense, demonstrating that their condemnation of Him for claiming a unique relationship with God is inconsistent with their own scriptural understanding of authority and divine representation.

Context and Background

The immediate context is a confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem, likely during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). They have challenged Jesus' claims of unity with the Father and His divine authority, accusing Him of blasphemy for saying, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). Their anger escalates to the point where they pick up stones to kill Him. Jesus' question is a direct response to their attempt to condemn Him based on His perceived divine claims, by reminding them that their own scriptures, specifically the Law (which in this context refers to the Old Testament, particularly the Psalms), use similar language to describe individuals.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Authority of Scripture: Jesus appeals to "your Law," demonstrating His deep knowledge of and respect for the Old Testament. He uses their own sacred texts to dismantle their accusations.
• Divine Representation and Authority: The psalm refers to judges as "gods" because they were appointed by God to administer His justice and speak with His authority in a judicial capacity. This highlights the concept of humans acting as representatives of divine power and judgment.
• The Nature of Jesus' Claims: Jesus is not equating Himself with these human "gods" but is using the psalm to illustrate that the term "god" can be applied in different ways. His claim is of a unique, ontological unity with God the Father, a claim far exceeding that of the judges in Psalm 82.
• The Inconsistency of Accusations: Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the leaders who, while holding to their scriptures, are quick to condemn Him for what they perceive as blasphemy, even when their own scriptures contain language that could be interpreted in a similar, albeit different, vein.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the importance of understanding scripture in its entirety and with discernment. It teaches that:

• Words have context: Terms like "god" can have different meanings depending on the context. Jesus' use of Psalm 82:6 is to show that the term is not exclusively reserved for the singular, uncreated God.
• Divine authority can be delegated: God can empower and authorize individuals to act on His behalf, and this can be described in elevated terms.
• Spiritual discernment is crucial: The religious leaders failed to discern the true nature of Jesus' claims and His unique relationship with God, being blinded by their own legalistic interpretations and prejudice.
• We are called to represent God: While not divine, believers are called to represent God in the world, reflecting His character and acting with His authority in spiritual matters.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage fits within the larger narrative of God's interaction with humanity, where He consistently reveals Himself and His purposes through both His Word and His chosen representatives. It echoes themes found in:

• Genesis: The creation of humanity in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:26-27) suggests a delegated authority and likeness.
• The Old Testament Prophets and Judges: Many individuals were empowered by the Spirit of God to speak and act with divine authority.
• The New Testament: The concept of believers being "children of God" (John 1:12) and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) points to a profound spiritual relationship and inheritance that elevates believers beyond mere mortals, though not to divinity.

Analogies

One analogy is to consider how a king's decree is the king's decree, even when spoken by a trusted advisor or official. The advisor speaks with the king's authority, and for practical purposes, their word carries the weight of the king's command. Similarly, the judges in Psalm 82 spoke with God's judicial authority.

Another analogy is the use of titles. A "general" in an army commands troops and exercises authority, but this authority is derived from the commander-in-chief. The title "general" signifies delegated authority within a hierarchical structure, just as "gods" in Psalm 82 signified delegated divine authority.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 82:6: This is the direct source text Jesus quotes. The psalm itself is a lament against corrupt judges and a declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty.
• John 1:1, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This passage establishes Jesus' unique divine identity.
• John 5:17-18: Jesus states, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." This also led to accusations of blasphemy, as it implied His equality with God.
• 1 Corinthians 8:5-6: Paul distinguishes between "so-called gods" (idols or other divine beings) and the one true God, the Father, and the one Lord, Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between divine persons and human representatives.
• Hebrews 1:1-3: Christ is described as the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, upholding the universe by His word. This further contrasts Jesus' divine being with any human representation.