Meaning of John 10:35

This verse from John 10:35 serves as a crucial apologetic and theological statement by Jesus, directly addressing the accusation that he blasphemed by calling himself "God" (or "a son of God," as implied by the context of John 10:30-33). Jesus argues that if the term "gods" could be legitimately applied to individuals in the Old Testament to whom the "word of God came," then his own claim to divine sonship is not inherently blasphemous, especially given his unique relationship with the Father. The phrase "Scripture cannot be set aside" (or "cannot be annulled," "cannot be broken") emphasizes the immutability and authority of the Old Testament law and prophets, indicating that the foundational truths of God's revelation are unassailable and provide a basis for understanding Jesus' claims.

Context and Background

Jesus is speaking in the temple courts during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). The preceding verses (John 10:30-33) detail a confrontation where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one," and "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them do you stone me?" The Jewish leaders, interpreting his claims as blasphemy, accuse him of making himself God. In John 10:35, Jesus responds to this charge by drawing an analogy from the Old Testament. He is referencing instances where individuals or entities were referred to as "gods" in a figurative or subordinate sense, specifically those who were messengers or recipients of divine revelation. The "word of God" here signifies God's authoritative communication, whether through prophets, judges, or even the law itself.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Authority of Scripture: The verse strongly asserts the infallibility and enduring authority of the Old Testament. Jesus uses Scripture as the ultimate arbiter and proof text to validate his argument. This underscores the biblical understanding that God's word is not merely human opinion but divinely inspired and unchangeable.
• The Nature of Divine Authority: Jesus distinguishes between the ultimate divine nature of the Father and Son, and the derivative or metaphorical application of divine titles to others. The "gods" in the Old Testament were not divine in the same way the Son is divine, but they held a position of authority or represented God's word in some capacity.
• Jesus' Divine Identity: By appealing to the Old Testament, Jesus is implicitly arguing for his own unique divine identity and authority. If those who received God's word were called "gods," then he, who is the Word of God incarnate (John 1:1, 14), possesses an even greater claim to divine status.
• Hermeneutics and Interpretation: Jesus demonstrates a principle of biblical interpretation: understanding difficult or seemingly contradictory passages by appealing to clearer or foundational truths, and by recognizing the nuanced use of language within Scripture itself.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse calls believers to a profound respect for the entirety of Scripture, recognizing its divine origin and unwavering truth. It encourages a discerning approach to theological claims, urging us to ground our understanding of God and his will in the revealed word. For Christians, John 10:35 serves as a foundational argument for the deity of Christ. It highlights that Jesus' claims were not novel blasphemies but were consistent with a deeper understanding of God's self-disclosure throughout redemptive history, culminating in his own person. It also implies that when we encounter God's word and obey it, we are acting with a divinely sanctioned authority, though always subordinate to and reflective of God's own nature.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply embedded in the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel and his progressive revelation. The "word of God" coming to individuals in the Old Testament often refers to prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 1:4-10) or figures who exercised judicial authority under God (e.g., Psalm 82, which likely underlies Jesus' reference). Jesus is placing himself within this lineage of divine commission and revelation, but at the apex. The Old Testament foreshadows the Messiah, and Jesus' argument here is that his claims are not a rupture but a fulfillment and ultimate expression of what was hinted at in earlier revelations. His deity is the climax of God's self-revelation, not an anomaly.

Analogies

One analogy could be the distinction between a king and his ambassadors. While the king is sovereign, his ambassadors, when acting with his delegated authority and carrying his decrees, can be said to "represent the king" or even, in a limited sense, to "speak with the king's voice." Similarly, those in the Old Testament to whom the word of God came were like ambassadors of God's truth and authority, and the term "gods" in this context reflects that delegated authority or representative role. Jesus, however, is not an ambassador; he is the King himself, the very embodiment of God's presence and message.

Another analogy is that of a master craftsman and his apprentices. The apprentices, while skilled, are subordinate to the master. However, when the master entrusts them with specific tasks and they execute them faithfully, they are acting with the master's authority and skill. Jesus, in contrast, is the Master Craftsman, not merely an apprentice. His divine nature means he possesses the authority and power inherently, not as something delegated or learned.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 82: This Old Testament psalm is a likely direct source for Jesus' argument. In Psalm 82:1, God stands in the divine council and says, "God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the gods." Verses 6-7 then state, "I said, 'You are gods; you are all children of the Most High.' But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every ruler." Jesus is using this psalm to show that the term "gods" was applied to human judges and leaders who were meant to administer God's justice and uphold his word.
• John 1:1, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This passage establishes Jesus as the divine Word, the very expression of God, which is a far greater claim than simply receiving God's word.
• Hebrews 1:1-3: This passage describes Jesus as the one through whom God made the worlds, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature, upholding all things by his powerful word. It highlights Jesus' unique divine role and authority, surpassing that of the angels or any Old Testament figure.
• 1 Samuel 3:10: When God calls Samuel, it is said, "The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" This exemplifies the "word of God coming" to a prophet, underscoring the prophetic lineage Jesus is referencing.