Bible Strands
John 10:35
If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Jewish opponents in the Temple during His final week, responding to their blasphemy accusation by establishing a logical premise before contrasting human recipients of divine speech with His unique sonship. He frames His argument within their accepted legal and prophetic framework to expose their inconsistent standard.
The words — The text centers on θεοὺς (theous, “gods”) and λόγος (logos, “word”) to note that human leaders were called “gods” solely because the word of God came to them. Jesus uses these terms to anchor His defense in the recognized authority of Scripture rather than in His own independent claim.
The thread — The phrase “the word of God came” mirrors prophetic commission accounts like Genesis 15:1, while the declaration that “Scripture cannot be broken” reflects the permanence of divine speech taught in Matthew 24:35. This thread links the historical delivery of revelation to the unchanging nature of the written text.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to acknowledge the absolute authority and indivisibility of Scripture, demanding that all claims be measured against its fixed wording. It compels a direct evaluation of whether one accepts God’s spoken word to humans or rejects the One whom the Father sanctified and sent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
- Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
- Genesis 15:1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
- Luke 16:17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
- Luke 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
- Matthew 26:53 Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
- John 19:36 Now these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.”
- Acts 1:16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
- Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.
- Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.