At thisThis phrase refers to the immediate context of the preceding verses where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one" (
John 10:30). This statement is a profound claim of unity with God, which the Jewish audience perceives as blasphemy. The context is crucial as it highlights the escalating tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, who are increasingly hostile to His teachings and claims.
the Jews
In the Gospel of John, "the Jews" often refers to the Jewish religious leaders and authorities rather than the Jewish people as a whole. These leaders are portrayed as being in opposition to Jesus throughout the Gospel. Their reaction is rooted in their understanding of the Law and their perception of Jesus' claims as a threat to their religious authority and traditions.
again picked up stones
The word "again" indicates that this is not the first time the Jewish leaders have attempted to stone Jesus. A previous instance is recorded inJohn 8:59, where they reacted similarly to Jesus' claim of divinity. Stoning was a prescribed method of execution for blasphemy according to Levitical law (Leviticus 24:16). This action reflects their belief that Jesus has committed blasphemy by equating Himself with God.
to stone Him
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Jewish law for certain offenses, including blasphemy. The act of picking up stones signifies their intent to carry out this punishment immediately, without a formal trial. This reflects the severity of their reaction to Jesus' claim and their understanding of the law. Theologically, this moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and revealing His divine nature, which provokes a strong reaction from the Jewish leaders.
2.
The JewsReferring to the Jewish leaders and people who were present during Jesus' teaching. They are depicted as being in opposition to Jesus' claims about His identity.
3.
StoningAn event that signifies the Jewish leaders' intent to execute Jesus for what they perceive as blasphemy. Stoning was a traditional Jewish method of capital punishment for blasphemy.
4.
JerusalemWhile not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events occur in the context of Jesus' ministry in and around Jerusalem, a central place in Jewish religious life.
5.
The TempleThe broader context of
John 10 includes Jesus teaching in the temple area, a significant place for Jewish worship and law.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' DivinityJesus' claims about His identity were radical and challenged the religious leaders' understanding. Believers today must grapple with the full implications of Jesus being both fully God and fully man.
Responding to OppositionJust as Jesus faced opposition, Christians today may encounter resistance when sharing their faith. It's important to respond with grace and truth, following Jesus' example.
The Cost of DiscipleshipThe threat of stoning underscores the potential cost of following Jesus. Believers are called to be prepared for sacrifice and persecution for their faith.
The Fulfillment of the LawJesus' life and teachings fulfill the Old Testament law, including the laws about blasphemy. Understanding this fulfillment helps believers appreciate the continuity and completion of God's plan through Christ.
Courage in ProclamationJesus' boldness in proclaiming His identity encourages believers to be courageous in sharing the gospel, even in the face of hostility.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 10:31?
2.Why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus in John 10:31?
3.How does John 10:31 illustrate Jesus' claim of divinity?
4.What Old Testament prophecies connect to the events in John 10:31?
5.How can believers respond to opposition as Jesus did in John 10:31?
6.What does John 10:31 teach about standing firm in faith despite persecution?
7.Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus in John 10:31?
8.How does John 10:31 reflect Jesus' claim to divinity?
9.What historical context explains the reaction in John 10:31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?
11.Is Jesus the incarnate God?
12.What did Jesus mean by "I and the Father are one"?
13.What is the Bible's stance on stoning?
14.Is Jesus considered equal to God?What Does John 10:31 Mean
At thisJesus has just said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30). That simple, majestic claim lands with explosive force.
• Earlier, when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was already “making Himself equal with God” (John 5:18).
• Moments before, He declared that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29), language reserved for God alone (Deuteronomy 32:39;Isaiah 43:13).
• The unity of Son and Father foretold inPsalm 2:7 andProverbs 30:4 now stands in living flesh before them.
the JewsThe phrase identifies the religious leadership gathered in Solomon’s Colonnade (John 10:23).
• These men know the Law, yet their hearts mirror the stiff-necked forefathers who “always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).
• They have already agreed that anyone confessing Jesus as Messiah will be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22).
• Their response fulfillsIsaiah 6:9-10—seeing but not perceiving, hearing but not understanding.
again picked up stonesThe word “again” reaches back toJohn 8:59, where they tried the same tactic after He used the divine name “I AM.”
• Stoning is the prescribed penalty for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16).
• Their readiness with stones reveals willful blindness: instead of examining His works (John 10:25), they grasp weapons.
• This escalating hostility foreshadows the council’s later plot inJohn 11:53 and the raging mob inActs 7:57-58.
to stone HimTheir motive is crystal clear: silence the claim of deity.
• They soon admit it outright—“because You, a man, declare Yourself to be God” (John 10:33).
• Yet the very act of attempting to stone the Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22;Acts 4:11) advances God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23).
• The Lamb will not die by stoning; Scripture points to the cross (Psalm 22:16;John 3:14). Jesus remains in sovereign control, “for His hour had not yet come” (John 7:30).
summaryJohn 10:31 captures a pivotal flash of hostility: confronted with the unmistakable claim of Christ’s deity, the religious leaders choose stones over faith. Their reaction exposes hardened hearts, fulfills prophecy, and sets the stage for the cross. The verse reminds us that Jesus is indeed one with the Father, and every attempt to silence Him only magnifies His glory and advances God’s sovereign plan.
(31)
Then the Jews took up stones again.--Better,
The Jews therefore . . . Their action follows as an effect caused by His words. The word "again" reminds us that they had done this two months before, at the Feast of Tabernacles (8:59). The words for "took up" are not the same. There the sense is, "they lifted up stones," and we are told that Jesus hid Himself; here the meaning is, "they carried stones," there being none in the cloister where they were. During this process their first burst of anger expended itself, and our Lord further disarms it with a question.
Verses 31-39. -
(3)Resented and challenged,but vindicated by word and sign.Verse 31. - That the Jews supposed him to speak of an essential unity is obvious from what follows.The Jews (then) took up - should rather becarried orbore in their hands -stones again, huge pieces of marble lying around in the public works then proceeding. There is an increase of malice over and above what was involved in simply lifting stones from the pavement (cf.John 8:59), and the alteration of the word is another hint of the eye-witness. The word "again" reminds the reader that this was a second and more desperate attack upon the life of Jesus.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
At this,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.JewsἸουδαῖοι(Ioudaioi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.againπάλιν(palin)Adverb
Strong's 3825:Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.picked upἘβάστασαν(Ebastasan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 941:Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.stonesλίθους(lithous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3037:A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.stoneλιθάσωσιν(lithasōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3034:To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate.Him.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 10:31 Therefore Jews took up stones again (Jhn Jo Jn) 
