John 10:35

"Jesus answered them, “Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?"

Key Reflection

In John 10:35, Jesus references Psalm 82:6 where God refers to judges as "gods." By invoking this text, Jesus asserts that just as these judges were called gods for their high office and duties, he too can be referred to as divine due to his unique role and mission. This assertion challenges the religious leaders' understanding of divinity and sovereignty, positioning himself within a tradition where titles like "god" are used metaphorically rather than literally.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 35. Unto whom the word of God came. That is, who were his servants, or who received their dignity and honour only because the law of God was intrusted to them. The word of God here means the command of God; his commission to them to do justice. The scripture cannot be broken. See Mt 5:19. The authority of the Scripture is final; it cannot be set aside. The meaning is, \- "If, therefore, the Scripture uses the word god as applied to magistrates, it settles the question that it is right to apply the term to those in office and authority. If applied to them, it may be to others in similar offices.

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