But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

JOHN 10:38KJV
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John 10:38 (KJV)

What does John 10:38 mean?

John 10:38 records Jesus telling His listeners that even if they do not believe His words, they should believe the works He does, so they can recognize that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. Jesus points to His actions as evidence of His unique relationship with God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish leaders who are questioning and challenging Him. The situation is tense, as they are skeptical of His claims about Himself. By urging them to consider His "works"—meaning His miracles and deeds—Jesus invites them to look beyond their doubts about His identity and see the connection between Himself and God through what He does.

The Greek behind John 10:38

  • The word for "works" is ἔργα (erga), which refers to deeds or actions. Here, it points specifically to the miracles and acts of compassion Jesus performed, suggesting that these are visible proof of His divine connection.
  • The phrase "the Father is in me, and I in him" uses the Greek preposition ἐν (en), which often means "in" or "within." This highlights a close, mutual relationship, not just association but a deep unity between Jesus and the Father.

Why John 10:38 matters

  • John 10:38 clarifies that Jesus does not expect blind belief; He points to tangible evidence—His works—as a basis for faith, which can help readers understand that faith in Him is not without reason.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity between Jesus and the Father, a key theme in John's Gospel, showing that Jesus' actions are not independent but are expressions of God's will and presence.
  • This verse connects to the larger conversation in John 10, where Jesus is explaining His identity and mission, and it helps explain why His miracles are so important in the narrative—they serve as signs pointing to who He truly is.

Where else these words appear

“though” Greek G2579 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
  • Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“I” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.