Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
JOHN 10:25KJVWhat does John 10:25 mean?
John 10:25 records Jesus telling His listeners that He has already told them who He is, but they do not believe Him. He points out that the works He does in His Father's name are evidence that testify about Him.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish leaders who are questioning Him about whether He is the Messiah. Jesus responds by saying that both His words and His actions—specifically the miracles and deeds He performs with God's authority—should make His identity clear. The verse highlights that the problem is not a lack of evidence, but a lack of belief.
The Greek behind John 10:25
- ἔργα (erga) — "works": This word refers to the deeds or miracles Jesus performs. In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus' actions are not just ordinary works but are signs pointing to His connection with God.
- ὀνόματι (onomati) — "name": This means "in the name" or "by the authority" of the Father. It shows that Jesus is not acting on His own, but with the authority and approval of God.
- μαρτυρεῖ (martyrei) — "bear witness": This word means to testify or give evidence. Jesus is saying that His works themselves are like witnesses in a trial, giving clear testimony about who He is.
Why John 10:25 matters
- John 10:25 clarifies that Jesus' identity is not hidden; He has openly revealed it through both His words and His miraculous works.
- The verse shows that unbelief is not due to a lack of information, but a refusal to accept the evidence already given.
- This statement connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel that Jesus’ works are meant to reveal His relationship with God the Father, inviting people to recognize and trust Him.