Definition: The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this difficult passage from John 10:33. It’s a really complex verse with layers of meaning, and it's often misunderstood. Here’s my explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: The verse is essentially saying that the Jews are angry because the person speaking – Jesus – is claiming to be God. They’re not condemning him for any wrongdoing, but specifically for blasphemy (speaking against God). Let's unpack it piece by piece: "The Jews answered him, saying..." : This means the Jewish people were reacting to Jesus’ statement. They were likely upset and challenging him. "...saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." This is where it gets tricky. Let's break down the parts: "For a good work we stone thee not..." : This suggests they weren’t trying to actually harm him. They were reacting out of anger and frustration. "...but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." This is the core of the problem. The Jews are accusing Jesus of: Blasphemy: This means speaking or doing something that violates God’s laws or teachings. It's like saying something that disrespects God. Claiming to be God: This is the crucial part. Jesus says he is God – a very bold claim! This is what they’re angry about because it challenges their understanding of God's nature and power. So, what does this verse really mean? It speaks to the tension between: Jesus’ divinity: He was a divine being, a way into God’s relationship with humanity. Jewish beliefs about God: They had a very specific understanding of God – a personal, relational being who is both powerful and loving. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a challenge to Jewish religious law and tradition. It highlights the difficulty of reconciling Jesus' claims of divinity with their existing worldview. In short, this verse isn’t about what Jesus did wrong. It's about his assertion that he is God – which was seen as dangerous and disruptive to their faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Compare it to other Bible stories about challenging religious beliefs?