John 10:29

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father`s hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father`s hand.
John 10:29 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father`s hand.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“My Father which gave [them] me, etc.] So the sheep came to be Christ’s, and to be in his hand; the Father gave them to him, put them into his hands, and made them his care and charge: is greater than all; than all gods, than all beings, than all creatures, angels and men, and than all the enemies of his people; this must be allowed: the Vulgate Latin version, and so some of the ancients read, “what my Father gave to me, is greater than all”; meaning, that the church given to him, and built on him, is stronger than all its enemies: and none is able to pluck [them] out of my Father’s hand; so that these sheep have a double security; they are in the hands of Christ, and they are in the hands of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“My Father, which gave them me--(See on Joh 6:37-39). is greater than all--with whom no adverse power can contend. It is a general expression of an admitted truth, and what follows shows for what purpose it was uttered, "and none is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand." The impossibility of true believers being lost, in the midst of all the temptations which they may encounter, does not consist in their fidelity and decision, but is founded upon the power of God. Here the doctrine of predestination is presented in its sublime and sacred aspect; there is a predestination of the holy, which is taught from one end of the Scriptures to the other; not, indeed, of such a nature that an…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Which gave them me - See John 6:37. Is greater - Is more powerful. Than all - Than all others - men, angels, devils. The word includes everything - everything that could attempt to pluck them away from God; in other words, it means that God is supreme. It implies, further, that God will keep them, and will so control all other beings and things that they shall be safe. None is able - None has power to do it. In these two verses we are taught the following important truths: 1.That Christians are given by God the Father to Christ. 2.That Jesus gives to them eternal life, or procures by his death and intercession, and imparts to them by his Spirit, that religion which shall result in eternal…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“which: Joh 6:37, Joh 17:2, Joh 17:6, Joh 17:9, Joh 17:11 is greater: Joh 14:28; Exo 18:11; Psa 145:3; Dan 4:3; Mal 1:14 John 10:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification