John 10:35 – “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is continuing His response to the Jewish leaders who accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be one with the Father (John 10:30). They were ready to stone Him because they believed He was a man claiming to be God (John 10:33). Instead of backing down, Jesus challenges their reasoning using Psalm 82:6, where God refers to certain human leaders as “gods” because they were given authority to judge on His behalf.

Jesus is making a legal argument. If Scripture used the word “gods” for those who received God’s word (such as judges or leaders), then how could they accuse Him of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God—especially since He was actually sent by the Father?

The key phrase in this verse is “Scripture cannot be set aside.” Jesus is affirming that God’s Word is absolutely true and unbreakable. The religious leaders claimed to believe in the authority of Scripture, so Jesus uses their own belief against them. If they accepted Psalm 82 as God’s Word, they could not ignore what it said.

This was a brilliant response. Not only did Jesus defend His claim to be the Son of God, but He also reinforced the absolute reliability of Scripture.

Historical Context

This exchange happened in the temple courts during the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah). The Jewish leaders had already been looking for ways to arrest Jesus, and His declaration of unity with the Father gave them what they thought was the perfect excuse.

In Jewish law, blasphemy (claiming to be God falsely) was a crime punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The religious leaders believed Jesus was guilty and were ready to carry out judgment.

However, they also believed that Scripture was completely authoritative. By quoting Psalm 82:6, Jesus trapped them in their own logic. If the Old Testament itself used the word “gods” for human leaders, then why were they so offended when He used the title “Son of God”?

Theological Implications

1. Jesus upholds the authority of Scripture. The phrase “Scripture cannot be set aside” is one of the strongest affirmations in the Bible about the reliability of God’s Word. Jesus believed that every word of Scripture was binding and true.
2. Jesus does not deny His divinity. Some people misunderstand this passage, thinking Jesus was saying He was only a human leader like those in Psalm 82. But He was actually making a much stronger claim—if Scripture could use divine titles for mere men, how much more did He have the right to be called the Son of God?
3. God’s Word cannot be changed. Jesus’ argument only works because the Bible is unbreakable. He knew that His opponents would not dare dismiss a passage of Scripture, so He used it to reveal their hypocrisy.
4. The importance of knowing Scripture. The religious leaders had studied the Scriptures, but they failed to understand their true meaning. This shows that knowing the Bible is not enough—we must also have open hearts to receive its truth.

Literary Analysis

John 10:35 is part of Jesus’ defense against false accusations. His argument follows a logical progression:

1. He quotes Psalm 82:6 (John 10:34) to show that the word “gods” was used in Scripture.
2. He reminds them that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), meaning they must accept what it says.
3. He applies this to Himself in the next verse (John 10:36), proving that His claim to be the Son of God is justified.

The phrase “Scripture cannot be set aside” stands out. It is a direct statement about the eternal and binding nature of God’s Word. This is one of the clearest declarations in the Bible that Scripture is absolute truth.

Jesus’ use of Psalm 82:6 is also significant. He does not misinterpret or twist it; He uses it precisely as it was meant to be understood—God had referred to human judges as “gods” in a limited sense. If that language was acceptable in Scripture, then Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God was even more valid.

Biblical Cross-References

1. Psalm 82:6 – “I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’”
   • The verse Jesus quotes to prove His argument.
2. Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
   • Scripture is eternal and unbreakable.
3. Matthew 5:18 – “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
   • Jesus affirms that every word of Scripture is binding.
4. John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
   • God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth.
5. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
   • The Bible is divinely inspired and fully authoritative.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God’s Word is completely trustworthy. Jesus Himself affirmed that Scripture cannot be broken. That means every promise, prophecy, and command in the Bible is true and reliable.
2. We need to know and apply Scripture. The religious leaders knew the Bible, but they misunderstood it. We must study Scripture carefully, not just for knowledge, but to understand God’s truth.
3. Truth will always stand. Jesus used Scripture to defend Himself, showing that God’s Word is powerful against false accusations. When our faith is challenged, we should stand on the truth of the Bible.
4. Jesus was not just a great teacher. Some people try to reduce Jesus to just another prophet or wise man. But He claimed to be the Son of God, and He backed up His claim with miracles and Scripture.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This passage shows God’s patience and grace. Even as the religious leaders tried to stone Him, Jesus continued to teach them and reveal the truth. He could have walked away or condemned them, but instead, He engaged with them using Scripture.

God’s love is also shown in His unchanging Word. Because Scripture cannot be broken, we can trust that His promises are true. He does not change His mind or go back on His word—what He has spoken will always stand.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus confirms the divine authority of Scripture. By saying, “Scripture cannot be set aside,” He shows that the Bible is completely reliable and true.
2. Jesus uses Scripture to prove His identity. He does not defend Himself with miracles alone—He appeals to God’s written Word. This shows how essential Scripture is in understanding who He is.
3. Jesus is greater than human judges. The leaders in Psalm 82 were called “gods” in a limited sense, but Jesus is the true Son of God, fully divine and fully human.
4. Jesus demonstrates divine wisdom. His ability to use Scripture effectively shows that He is not just a teacher—He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Scripture cannot be set aside”?
2. How does Jesus’ use of Psalm 82:6 strengthen His argument?
3. Why do you think the religious leaders refused to accept Jesus’ claim, even when He used Scripture to prove it?
4. How does this passage challenge us to trust in the Bible as God’s unbreakable Word?
5. How can we use Scripture as Jesus did when facing opposition to our faith?