Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

JOHN 10:36KJV
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John 10:36 (KJV)

What does John 10:36 mean?

John 10:36 records Jesus responding to accusations of blasphemy by asking why the Jewish leaders claim he is blaspheming simply for saying, "I am the Son of God," when he is the one whom God the Father has set apart and sent into the world. Jesus is challenging the fairness and logic of their accusation in light of his unique relationship with God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish religious leaders who are upset because he has called God his Father, which they see as making himself equal with God. Jesus points out that he has been "sanctified" (set apart) by the Father and sent into the world, so his claim to be God's Son should not be considered blasphemy. The verse highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities over his identity and mission.

The Greek behind John 10:36

  • ἡγίασεν (hēgiasen, "sanctified"): This word means to set apart as holy or dedicate for a special purpose. Jesus is emphasizing that his role and identity come directly from God, not from his own ambition.
  • ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen, "sent"): This verb means to send with a mission or commission. It underscores that Jesus’s presence in the world is by God’s initiative and authority.
  • βλασφημεῖς (blasphēmeis, "blasphemest"): This word refers to speaking irreverently about God. Jesus questions why his claim to be the Son of God is seen as irreverence when he is acting under God’s direction.

Why John 10:36 matters

  • John 10:36 clarifies that Jesus’s claim to be the Son of God is rooted in being set apart and sent by the Father, not in self-exaltation or disrespect toward God.
  • The verse highlights the misunderstanding between Jesus and the religious leaders, showing that their accusation of blasphemy is based on a failure to recognize his divine commission.
  • This exchange connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel of Jesus’s unique relationship with the Father and the repeated challenge of his identity by the authorities.

Where else these words appear

“sanctified” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  • Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

“blasphemest” Greek G987 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
  • Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
  • James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

“am” Greek G1510 · used in 137 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
  • Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.