John 10:31
New International Version
Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,

New Living Translation
Once again the people picked up stones to kill him.

English Standard Version
The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

Berean Standard Bible
At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the Jews took up stones again, that they might stone Him.

King James Bible
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

New King James Version
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.

New American Standard Bible
The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.

NASB 1995
The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.

NASB 1977
The Jews took up stones again to stone Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.

Amplified Bible
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone Him.

Christian Standard Bible
Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Again the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him.

American Standard Version
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Contemporary English Version
Once again the people picked up stones in order to kill Jesus.

English Revised Version
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Jews had again brought some rocks to stone Jesus to death.

Good News Translation
Then the people again picked up stones to throw at him.

International Standard Version
Again the Jewish leaders picked up stones to stone him to death.

NET Bible
The Jewish leaders picked up rocks again to stone him to death.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore the Jewish leaders took up stones again to stone him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Weymouth New Testament
Again the Jews brought stones with which to stone Him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him.

World English Bible
Therefore the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Therefore, again, the Jews took up stones that they may stone Him;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore the Jews took up stones again, that they might stone Him.

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore, again, did the Jews take up stones that they may stone him;

Smith's Literal Translation
Then again lifted up the Jews stones that they might stone him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Jews then took up stones to stone him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the Jews took up stones, in order to stone him.

New American Bible
The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him.

New Revised Standard Version
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the Jews again took up stones to stone him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Judeans picked up stones again to stone him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then the Jews took up stones again, to stone him.

Godbey New Testament
Again the Jews took up stones, that they might stone Him.

Haweis New Testament
Then the Jews again brought stones, in order to stone him.

Mace New Testament
then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Weymouth New Testament
Again the Jews brought stones with which to stone Him.

Worrell New Testament
The Jews took up stones again to stone Him.

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus said unto them,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Unbelief of the Jews
30I and the Father are one.” 31At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. 32But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”…

Cross References
John 8:59
At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.

John 5:18
Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

John 7:30
So they tried to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

John 11:8
“Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?”

Acts 7:57-58
At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Matthew 21:39
So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

Luke 4:29
They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff.

Acts 14:19
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.

Acts 21:31
While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.

Matthew 26:4
and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Mark 3:6
At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

John 19:7
“We have a law,” answered the Jews, “and according to that law He must die, because He declared Himself to be the Son of God.”

Leviticus 24:16
Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.

Numbers 15:35-36
And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” / So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

1 Kings 21:13
And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.


Treasury of Scripture

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

John 5:18
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 8:59
Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

John 11:8
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jump to Previous
Jews Picked Stone Stones
Jump to Next
Jews Picked Stone Stones
John 10
1. Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.
19. Diverse opinions of him.
23. He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;
31. escapes the Jews;
39. and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.














At this
This phrase refers to the immediate context of the preceding verses where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This statement is a profound claim of unity with God, which the Jewish audience perceives as blasphemy. The context is crucial as it highlights the escalating tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, who are increasingly hostile to His teachings and claims.

the Jews
In the Gospel of John, "the Jews" often refers to the Jewish religious leaders and authorities rather than the Jewish people as a whole. These leaders are portrayed as being in opposition to Jesus throughout the Gospel. Their reaction is rooted in their understanding of the Law and their perception of Jesus' claims as a threat to their religious authority and traditions.

again picked up stones
The word "again" indicates that this is not the first time the Jewish leaders have attempted to stone Jesus. A previous instance is recorded in John 8:59, where they reacted similarly to Jesus' claim of divinity. Stoning was a prescribed method of execution for blasphemy according to Levitical law (Leviticus 24:16). This action reflects their belief that Jesus has committed blasphemy by equating Himself with God.

to stone Him
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Jewish law for certain offenses, including blasphemy. The act of picking up stones signifies their intent to carry out this punishment immediately, without a formal trial. This reflects the severity of their reaction to Jesus' claim and their understanding of the law. Theologically, this moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and revealing His divine nature, which provokes a strong reaction from the Jewish leaders.

2. The Jews
Referring to the Jewish leaders and people who were present during Jesus' teaching. They are depicted as being in opposition to Jesus' claims about His identity.

3. Stoning
An event that signifies the Jewish leaders' intent to execute Jesus for what they perceive as blasphemy. Stoning was a traditional Jewish method of capital punishment for blasphemy.

4. Jerusalem
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events occur in the context of Jesus' ministry in and around Jerusalem, a central place in Jewish religious life.

5. The Temple
The broader context of John 10 includes Jesus teaching in the temple area, a significant place for Jewish worship and law.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' Divinity
Jesus' claims about His identity were radical and challenged the religious leaders' understanding. Believers today must grapple with the full implications of Jesus being both fully God and fully man.

Responding to Opposition
Just as Jesus faced opposition, Christians today may encounter resistance when sharing their faith. It's important to respond with grace and truth, following Jesus' example.

The Cost of Discipleship
The threat of stoning underscores the potential cost of following Jesus. Believers are called to be prepared for sacrifice and persecution for their faith.

The Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' life and teachings fulfill the Old Testament law, including the laws about blasphemy. Understanding this fulfillment helps believers appreciate the continuity and completion of God's plan through Christ.

Courage in Proclamation
Jesus' boldness in proclaiming His identity encourages believers to be courageous in sharing the gospel, even in the face of hostility.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of John 10:31?

2. Why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus in John 10:31?

3. How does John 10:31 illustrate Jesus' claim of divinity?

4. What Old Testament prophecies connect to the events in John 10:31?

5. How can believers respond to opposition as Jesus did in John 10:31?

6. What does John 10:31 teach about standing firm in faith despite persecution?

7. Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus in John 10:31?

8. How does John 10:31 reflect Jesus' claim to divinity?

9. What historical context explains the reaction in John 10:31?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?

11. Is Jesus the incarnate God?

12. What did Jesus mean by "I and the Father are one"?

13. What is the Bible's stance on stoning?

14. Is Jesus considered equal to God?
What Does John 10:31 Mean
At this

Jesus has just said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30). That simple, majestic claim lands with explosive force.

• Earlier, when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was already “making Himself equal with God” (John 5:18).

• Moments before, He declared that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29), language reserved for God alone (Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 43:13).

• The unity of Son and Father foretold in Psalm 2:7 and Proverbs 30:4 now stands in living flesh before them.


the Jews

The phrase identifies the religious leadership gathered in Solomon’s Colonnade (John 10:23).

• These men know the Law, yet their hearts mirror the stiff-necked forefathers who “always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).

• They have already agreed that anyone confessing Jesus as Messiah will be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22).

• Their response fulfills Isaiah 6:9-10—seeing but not perceiving, hearing but not understanding.


again picked up stones

The word “again” reaches back to John 8:59, where they tried the same tactic after He used the divine name “I AM.”

• Stoning is the prescribed penalty for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16).

• Their readiness with stones reveals willful blindness: instead of examining His works (John 10:25), they grasp weapons.

• This escalating hostility foreshadows the council’s later plot in John 11:53 and the raging mob in Acts 7:57-58.


to stone Him

Their motive is crystal clear: silence the claim of deity.

• They soon admit it outright—“because You, a man, declare Yourself to be God” (John 10:33).

• Yet the very act of attempting to stone the Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11) advances God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23).

• The Lamb will not die by stoning; Scripture points to the cross (Psalm 22:16; John 3:14). Jesus remains in sovereign control, “for His hour had not yet come” (John 7:30).


summary

John 10:31 captures a pivotal flash of hostility: confronted with the unmistakable claim of Christ’s deity, the religious leaders choose stones over faith. Their reaction exposes hardened hearts, fulfills prophecy, and sets the stage for the cross. The verse reminds us that Jesus is indeed one with the Father, and every attempt to silence Him only magnifies His glory and advances God’s sovereign plan.

(31) Then the Jews took up stones again.--Better, The Jews therefore . . . Their action follows as an effect caused by His words. The word "again" reminds us that they had done this two months before, at the Feast of Tabernacles (8:59). The words for "took up" are not the same. There the sense is, "they lifted up stones," and we are told that Jesus hid Himself; here the meaning is, "they carried stones," there being none in the cloister where they were. During this process their first burst of anger expended itself, and our Lord further disarms it with a question.

Verses 31-39. -

(3) Resented and challenged, but vindicated by word and sign. Verse 31. - That the Jews supposed him to speak of an essential unity is obvious from what follows. The Jews (then) took up - should rather be carried or bore in their hands - stones again, huge pieces of marble lying around in the public works then proceeding. There is an increase of malice over and above what was involved in simply lifting stones from the pavement (cf. John 8:59), and the alteration of the word is another hint of the eye-witness. The word "again" reminds the reader that this was a second and more desperate attack upon the life of Jesus.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At this,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

again
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

picked up
Ἐβάστασαν (Ebastasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 941: Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.

stones
λίθους (lithous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3037: A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

stone
λιθάσωσιν (lithasōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3034: To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: John 10:31 Therefore Jews took up stones again (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 10:30
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