John 10:34 – “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are ‘gods’”?'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus responds to the religious leaders who were accusing Him of blasphemy. They had picked up stones to kill Him because He claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30). Instead of backing down, Jesus challenges them by quoting Scripture.
He refers to Psalm 82:6, which says, “I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’” This psalm was written as a rebuke to corrupt leaders in Israel who were supposed to represent God’s justice but were failing. In calling them “gods,” the psalm highlights that they had been given authority by God but were misusing it.
Jesus is using this passage to make a powerful argument. If the Scriptures could use the word “gods” to describe human judges acting under God’s authority, how could the religious leaders accuse Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God? In other words, if imperfect human leaders were called “gods” because of their God-given role, then Jesus, who was actually sent by the Father, had every right to call Himself the Son of God.
This was a brilliant move. Not only did Jesus defend His claim, but He did so by using their own Scriptures—something they could not easily argue against.
Historical Context
Jesus was speaking in the temple during the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah), a time when the Jewish people celebrated their deliverance from foreign rule. Many were hoping for a political Messiah, but Jesus was offering something much greater—eternal life and a restored relationship with God.
The religious leaders had long been hostile toward Jesus. His teachings exposed their hypocrisy, and His miracles drew people to Him. By the time of this conversation, they were already looking for ways to kill Him.
The Jewish law commanded that anyone guilty of blasphemy (claiming to be God falsely) should be stoned (Leviticus 24:16). Since they refused to believe that Jesus was truly God, they saw His claim as a crime.
Theological Implications
- Jesus affirms the authority of Scripture. Instead of dismissing the Old Testament, Jesus uses it to prove His point. This reinforces the trustworthiness of the Bible.
- Jesus does not deny His divinity. Some misunderstand this verse and think Jesus was lowering His status. But He was actually strengthening His argument, not weakening it. He was showing that if Scripture could use the term “gods” for human leaders, then His claim to be the Son of God was even more valid.
- Jesus demonstrates divine wisdom. His response silenced His accusers. Instead of reacting emotionally, He used Scripture with precision, proving that truth stands firm even under attack.
- God gives authority to human leaders, but Jesus has ultimate authority. In Psalm 82, human judges were called “gods” because they represented God’s justice. But Jesus is far greater—He is not just a representative of God, but God in the flesh.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a perfect example of rabbinic argumentation, a method of debate used in Jewish tradition. Jesus does not respond with a direct statement but instead asks a question, forcing His opponents to think.
His reference to Psalm 82:6 is an example of using Scripture to interpret Scripture. The religious leaders prided themselves on knowing the Law, but Jesus used the Law itself to challenge their thinking.
The phrase “Is it not written in your Law” is interesting. Jesus refers to the entire Old Testament as “the Law,” showing that He saw it as authoritative. This also made His argument more powerful because He was using their own sacred texts to make His case.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 82:6 – “I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’”
- This is the passage Jesus quotes, showing that even Scripture used the term “gods” for human leaders.
- Exodus 7:1 – “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.’”
- Moses was given divine authority to speak to Pharaoh, similar to the leaders in Psalm 82.
- John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- While human leaders were called “gods” as representatives, Jesus is the eternal Word who is God.
- John 10:35-36 – “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?”
- Jesus continues His argument, proving that His claim to be the Son of God is greater than that of any human leader.
- Matthew 22:29 – “Jesus replied, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.’”
- Jesus often corrected religious leaders who misunderstood Scripture, as He does in John 10:34.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
- Jesus is the master teacher. He shows us how to stand firm in truth without resorting to anger or fear. His example teaches us how to respond wisely when our faith is challenged.
- We should know Scripture well. Jesus used the Old Testament to defend His claims. This reminds us of the importance of knowing and studying God’s Word so we can stand firm in our faith.
- God’s truth cannot be ignored. The religious leaders tried to trap Jesus, but He used their own Scriptures to expose their hypocrisy. Truth always stands, even when it is challenged.
- Faith requires an open heart. The religious leaders had all the knowledge they needed, but they refused to believe. Today, many people reject Jesus not because of a lack of evidence, but because they do not want to surrender to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This passage shows God’s patience and grace. Even though Jesus was being falsely accused, He still engaged with His accusers, giving them a chance to see the truth. Instead of condemning them immediately, He reasoned with them.
This is a reminder that God does not want anyone to perish but desires all to come to the truth (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus did not argue to win a debate—He was trying to open their eyes to who He really was.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
- Jesus proves He is greater than any human leader. The judges in Psalm 82 were given authority by God, but they were still mere men. Jesus, on the other hand, is the divine Son of God.
- Jesus’ wisdom silences His enemies. This verse demonstrates His ability to expose false accusations without using force or retaliation.
- Jesus is not just another religious teacher. Many false teachers claim that Jesus was only a prophet or a good moral example. But His own words, especially in John 10, make it clear that He claimed to be God.
- Jesus’ use of Scripture points to His fulfillment of prophecy. Everything He did was in line with the Old Testament, showing that He was the promised Messiah.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why did Jesus quote Psalm 82:6 in response to the religious leaders?
- What does this passage teach us about Jesus’ ability to handle opposition?
- How can we use Scripture to defend our faith, as Jesus did?
- Why do people reject Jesus even when the evidence is clear?
- How does this verse challenge us to have an open heart toward God’s truth?