John 10:34

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

John 10:34 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a conversation that Jesus had with the Jews in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah). The Jews had gathered around Him, asking Him to plainly say whether He was the Christ. In response, Jesus explained His relationship with God the Father and the unity between them.

In John 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and His sheep to describe His relationship with His followers. He emphasizes that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (believers). In verse 30, Jesus proclaims, “I and my Father are one,” highlighting the unity and oneness of the Father and the Son.

Meaning

In verse 34, Jesus refers to “your law,” addressing the Jews who were present. He quotes from Psalm 82:6, which says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” This reference to the Law was meant to remind the Jews of their own scriptures and to engage them in a deeper theological discussion.

By quoting Psalm 82:6, Jesus draws attention to the fact that the term “gods” was used to describe human beings in the Old Testament. However, Jesus’ purpose in quoting this verse is not to emphasize human divinity or to endorse polytheism. Instead, He is making a more subtle point.

Jesus continues in John 10:35-36, saying, “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 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?” Jesus contrasts the term “gods” used in Psalm 82 with His own claim of being the Son of God, whom the Father has sent into the world.

Jesus implies that if God called human judges “gods” in the Old Testament (referring to their role as representatives of divine justice), then His claim of being the Son of God and the Messiah is even more valid and significant. Jesus argues that if the term “gods” could be applied to mere humans, it is not blasphemy for Him, as the Son of God, to claim divinity and oneness with the Father.

Throughout this passage, Jesus asserts His divine authority, His unique relationship with God the Father, and His role as the promised Messiah. By quoting Psalm 82:6, Jesus challenges the Jews to consider the implications of their own scriptures and to recognize the legitimacy of His claims.

It’s important to note that this passage does not support the idea that human beings are inherently divine or that they possess the same nature as God. Instead, Jesus uses this reference to emphasize His own special relationship with God the Father and to strengthen His claim as the Son of God.

Biblical connections

Jesus calls this Scripture “your law,” using “law” broadly to include the entire Old Testament, not just the Pentateuch. This indicates that the Jewish leaders, who boasted in the law and claimed to understand it, should have recognized this text. The quotation is from Psalm 82:6, where God addresses human judges or rulers, calling them “gods” because they held a position of authority and were entrusted with divine justice.

Application

Jesus’ argument from the lesser to the greater is a model for how Scripture can be used in theological debate. If God called human judges “gods” because they received God’s word and represented His authority, how much more is it appropriate for Jesus, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, to call Himself the Son of God? This verse underscores the authority of Scripture in theological debate and challenges readers to recognize the legitimacy of Jesus’ claims.

Reflection

In summary, John 10:34 is part of a larger conversation where Jesus engages the Jews in a theological discussion. By quoting Psalm 82:6, Jesus draws attention to the term “gods” used to describe human beings in the Old Testament and makes a comparison with His own claim as the Son of God. This verse underscores Jesus’ unique identity, divine authority, and mission as the Messiah.