John 10:35
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
John 10:35
Jesus continues the argument: if God’s word can be addressed to “gods” and the scripture cannot be broken, then his claim to be the Son of God is not a violation of Scripture, provided his mission aligns with God’s word. The phrase “the scripture cannot be broken” (or “the Scripture cannot be broken”) emphasizes the reliability and authority of God’s word. By invoking this principle, Jesus shows that his own identity and mission are consistent with the broader biblical framework. He is not contradicting the Scriptures but fulfilling them. The immediate implication is that scriptural authority outranks human objections. In John 10, this moves the discussion from a heated dispute about blasphemy to a test of whether their hearts are open to God’s revelation. The background includes debates about the relationship between the Father and the Son and the way divine truth is mediated through God’s chosen messengers.
This verse reinforces the doctrine of the reliability of Scripture and helps anchor the early Johannine understanding of Jesus as the one who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. It is a subtle assertion of the continuity between Jesus’ mission and God’s redemptive plan, rather than a rupture with Scripture. It also points toward the development of Christological doctrine in the Gospel of John: Jesus is not acting independently of God but is the . Theologically, it upholds the unity of God’s redemptive word and invites readers to trust that God’s promises will find their yes in Jesus.
When you face a claim that seems to push against established beliefs, this verse invites you to test it against Scripture—trust that God’s word is trustworthy and cannot be broken. In practical life, study the Bible carefully, seek guidance from mature believers, and resist cherry-picking verses to support self-serving interpretations. Recognize that sometimes biblical tension arises from not yet understanding a passage fully. Commit to prayerful study, community discussion, and patient discernment. This also encourages humility in leadership: leaders should align their claims with Scripture, not climate of opinion. If you teach or defend faith, ground your arguments in the integrity and continuity of God’s word.
Cross-References: Jeremiah 1:12; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8