The Jews took up stones - Stoning was the punishment of a blasphemer, Leviticus 24:14-16. They considered him guilty of blasphemy because he made himself equal with God, John 10:33.

Again - They had before plotted against his life John 5:16, John 5:18, and once at least they had taken up stones to destroy him, John 8:59.

The Jews took up stones - To stone him as a blasphemer, Leviticus 24:14-16, because he said he was one with God. The evangelist adds the word again, because they had attempted to do this before, see John 8:59; but it seems they were prevented from doing this now by the following discourse.

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. As they had done before; see Gill on John 8:59;

Took up - again (ἐβάστασαν - πάλιν)

Again refers to John 8:59. It seems as though a different verb is purposely chosen here (compare ἦραν took up, in John 8:59), since the interview took place in Solomon's porch, where stones would not be at hand. The verb here may mean to take up. So Ajax says:

"Send some one as a messenger to bear

The evil news to Teucros, that he first

May lift (βαστάσῃ) my corpse by this sharp sword transfixed."

Sophocles, "Ajax," 827.

Its more usual meaning in the New Testament, however, is to bear or carry. So of the cross (John 19:17; Luke 14:27). Here it might very properly be rendered brought, perhaps from the works which were then going on at the temple. See further on John 12:6.

{10} Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

(10) Christ proves his dignity by divine works.

10:30,31 I and my Father are one. Are so united that the Father is pledged to keep the sheep of the Son. These words the Jews held to be blasphemy, and sought to stone him. Compare 8:52.

31. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him-and for precisely the same thing as before (Joh 8:58, 59).

10:31-38 Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.