John 10:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.
John 10:38 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if I do, etc.] Works, which none but God can do: though ye believe not me; what Christ said in his doctrine and ministry, though they paid no regard to that, and did not receive his testimony, on the credit of him the testifier, as they ought to have done: believe the works; not only that they are true and real, and not imaginary and delusory; but for the sake of them believe the above assertion, that Christ is the Son of God, he and his Father being one; or take such notice of these works and miracles, consider the nature, evidence, and importance of them, and the divine power that attends them, that ye may know and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him; or “in the Father”, as…”
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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…”
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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
“That ye may know and believe - In some a more exact knowledge precedes, in others it follows faith. I am in the Father and the Father in me. I and the Father are one - These two sentences illustrate each other. John 10:40”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:38 Jesus’ miraculous works should help true believers know and understand that the full reality of God dwells in Jesus.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“believe the: Joh 3:2, Joh 5:36; Act 2:22, Act 4:8-12 that ye: Joh 10:30, Joh 14:9-11, Joh 14:20, Joh 17:11, Joh 17:21-23 John 10:39”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification