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John 10:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?
John 10:21 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father.
19There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words.
20And many of them said, He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21Others said, These are not the sayings of one possessed with a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?
22And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
23it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon`s porch.
24The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Others said, these are not the words of him that hath a devil, etc.] No madman or demoniac, one possessed of a devil, and under the influence of Satan, would ever talk in so divine a manner, and speak such words of truth and soberness: these were, some of the wiser sort, and were well disposed to Christ, who reasoned thus, and they were but few: whereas those that charged him with madness and distraction were many, as in the preceding verse; can a devil open the eyes of the blind? referring to the late instance, of Christ’s curing a man that was blind from his birth; if it was in the power of a devil to do such an action, which it is not, yet it is not in his nature, it is not usual with him…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Not the words ... - His words are sober, grave, pious, full of wisdom. The preaching of Jesus always produced effect. It made bitter enemies or decided friends. So will all faithful preaching. It is not the fault of the gospel that there are divisions, but of the unbelief and mad passions of men. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“These are not the words - The word in the original takes in actions too. John 10:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Can: Joh 9:6, Joh 9:32; Exo 4:11, Exo 8:19; Psa 94:9, Psa 146:8; Pro 20:12; Isa 35:5, Isa 35:6; Mat 11:5 John 10:23”
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Related study paths

Read John 10 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification