What does John 10:34 mean?

Explanation

John 10:34 includes a rebuke and a clarification Jesus gives to the Jews who were accusing Him of blasphemy.

They had just declared their intent to stone Him because He claimed to be the Son of God.

In essence, they interpreted Jesus's words as a claim to be equal with God, which in Jewish Law would be blasphemous.

In response, Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6, "I said, 'You are "gods"'; you are all sons of the Most High." The term “gods” here is not intended to suggest divinity in the sense that individuals are on the same level as God; rather, it speaks to their role as judges or individuals with authority, as appointed by God.

So, Jesus's use of this Psalm is to argue that if scripture can use the term “gods” for those to whom the word of God was given, why should it be considered blasphemy for the one whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world to say, "I am the Son of God"?

Historical Context

John 10:34 occurs in the context of an ongoing dispute between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).

The setting was a time of heightened expectation for the Messiah, and the theological tensions between Jesus's teachings and traditional Jewish understanding of the Law and the Prophets were intense.

In the Hebrew culture, certain individuals like judges, prophets, or kings often were seen as having been given authority by God and sometimes were referred to in terms that signified a special status under God.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, this verse demonstrates Jesus's use of scripture to validate His claim of being one with God, not in violation of the law but in alignment with it.

Non-Trinitarian perspectives might interpret this verse as Jesus defending himself against an incorrect charge without claiming equality with God.

Some theologians argue that Jesus is emphasizing the unique sanctity and authority of His mission rather than engaging in a theological debate on the nature of His divinity. This reinforces the concept of Jesus being consecrated by God for the salvation of humanity.

Practical Applications

John 10:34 challenges believers to reflect on their understanding of scripture and their response to the authority of Jesus Christ.

It suggests the importance of humility and discernment, as even deeply religious people can misinterpret intentions and messages.

The practical application could involve recognition and respect for the various roles and authorities established by God, as well as a call for a personal examination of how one perceives and interacts with the claims of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Psalm 82:6: "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
• John 10:36: "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
• Exodus 22:28: "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek language here is "θεοί" (theoi), which is translated as "gods". In the context of Psalm 82, the word refers to judges or those in authority rather than divine beings.

The word "nomos" (νόμος), translated as "law", refers broadly to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, establishing the concept that Jesus is grounded in the scriptural tradition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, kings and rulers were often considered gods or semi-divine. Egyptian Pharaohs, for example, were thought to be gods on earth. In Hebrew culture, although rulers weren’t considered divine, God did grant significant authority to certain individuals.

The term "gods" in Psalm 82 may have been meant to express this level of appointed authority. The comparison highlights the stark differences between the monotheistic concept of authority within Judaism and the more physical deification common in other cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not inherently involve scientific discussion, being related to theological claims and scriptural interpretation.

However, in general terms, discussions on cognition and perception can be relevant, as they might inform how people interpret scripture or religious claims against their experiential backdrop, cultural setting, and cognitive biases.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 10:34 vary widely.

Some scholars, such as Matthew Henry, focus on the dignity of the charge Jesus bears and the inappropriateness of the accusation of blasphemy, given that Jesus’s works substantiate his claims.

Others, like William Barclay, suggest that Jesus uses Psalm 82 as a means to point out the inconsistency and selective outrage of His accusers.

There is consensus that Jesus turns to Scripture to argue His point, employing a form of rabbinic argument known as qal va-homer (light and heavy), arguing from lesser to greater to make His case.