John 10:37

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
John 10:37 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If I do not the works of my Father, etc.] Not only what the Father had given him to finish, and which he wrought by him as man, but such as were as great as the Father had done, and were equal to them; and which could not be done by any, but by the Father, or by one that is equal with him: believe me not: Christ appeals to his miracles as proofs of his deity, sonship, and Messiahship, and desires no other credit than what they demand; (see <401103>Matthew 11:3-5 <430536>John 5:36).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“though ye believe not me, believe the works--There was in Christ's words, independently of any miracles, a self-evidencing truth, majesty and grace, which those who had any spiritual susceptibility were unable to resist (Joh 7:46; Joh 8:30). But, for those who wanted this, "the works" were a mighty help. When these failed, the case was desperate indeed. that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in him--thus reiterating His claim to essential oneness with the Father, which He had only seemed to soften down, that He might calm their rage and get their ear again for a moment.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jesus answered them - The answer of Jesus consists of two parts. The first John 10:34-36 shows that they ought not to object to his use of the word God, even if he were no more than a man. The second John 10:37-38 repeats substantially what he had before said, left the same impression, and in proof of it he appealed to his works. John 10:34 In your law - Psalms 82:6. The word “law” here, is used to include the Old Testament. I said - The Psalmist said, or God said by the Psalmist. Ye are gods - This was said of magistrates on account of the dignity and honor of their office, and it shows that the Hebrew word translated “god,” אלהים ̀elohiym, in that place might be applied to man. Such a use…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Joh 10:25, Joh 10:32, Joh 5:31, Joh 12:37-40, Joh 14:10, Joh 15:24; Mat 11:20-24 John 10:38”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification