John 10:35

John 10:35, in plain English

Jesus continues: if Scripture called those people 'gods'—and Scripture cannot be broken—

Why it's here

He's building an airtight logical case using the authority they claim to respect most: the Scriptures themselves.

Who's speaking

Jesus presses His argument further, affirming that Scripture's authority cannot be dismissed.

Where it sits in the story

Step by step, Jesus is constructing an argument they can't escape. They revere Scripture. Scripture uses the word 'gods' for humans. That's an established fact.

The scholarly reading

Jesus builds on the Psalm 82 citation: if those who merely received God's word could be called 'gods,' and Scripture cannot be 'lythēnai' (broken/annulled), then His argument from lesser to greater stands.

Language and setting

The statement 'hē graphē ou dynatai lythēnai' (Scripture cannot be broken) is one of the strongest affirmations of biblical authority in the Gospels. Jesus treats Scripture as inviolable even in a secondary argument.

Voice

Jesus continues His scriptural argument, affirming the unbreakable authority of Scripture.

Significance

Jesus advances His argument step by step: Scripture is inviolable, Scripture calls human judges 'gods,' therefore the term 'god' has legitimate application beyond God alone.

33“We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, make Yourself out to be God.”

34Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’?

35If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—

36then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God?

37If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me.

Read all of John 10 — Jesus describes a shepherd who knows every sheep by name and lays down his life for them. The hired hand runs; the good shepherd stays.