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John 10

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

I and my Father are one.

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

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.

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

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?

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

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.

Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

And many believed on him there.

What does John 10:14 mean?

Explanation

John 10:14 is a verse where Jesus identifies himself as "the good shepherd." The metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep is used throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments, to illustrate the relationship between God (or Jesus) and His followers.

The good shepherd is one who has a close and intimate relationship with his sheep.

Unlike a hired hand or a caretaker with less personal investment, the good shepherd knows each sheep individually and is known and trusted by his sheep in return.

The deeper meaning here involves the level of care and commitment Jesus claims to have for His followers.

He is stating that His relationship with them is not distant or based on obligation; rather, it is a personal, knowing, and sacrificial love, as He later specifies in the chapter that the good shepherd "giveth his life for the sheep."

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Historical Context

John 10:14 is part of Jesus' discourse about the good shepherd, which takes place in the context of opposition from Jewish leaders.

In the biblical era, shepherding was a common occupation, and the people were very familiar with the duties and characteristics of a shepherd.

A shepherd's job was to lead, protect, and care for the flock.

This made the metaphor particularly poignant and understandable for the original audience.

It was also a well-known metaphor in the Old Testament, where leaders (especially the Messiah) were sometimes referred to as shepherds.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives have interpreted this verse in various ways.

Some emphasize the individual relationship each believer has with Jesus, underscoring the personal knowledge and care that He provides. Others point out the communal aspect , Jesus knows His collective flock, the Church, and through Him, they are also connected to one another.

From a Christological viewpoint, this verse reinforces the divine nature of Jesus. Not just anyone can claim to have the depth of knowledge and sacrificial love described in the verse; these are attributes of God towards His people, thus supporting the doctrine of Jesus' divinity.

Practical Applications

John 10:14 can inspire individual believers to seek a personal relationship with Jesus, understanding that He knows them deeply and cares for them. In daily life, this may translate into trusting Him in personal decisions, turning to Him in times of need, and listening for His guidance.

The verse also holds a message for Christian leaders to model their care for others after the good shepherd, knowing and serving those they lead with sacrificial love instead of self-serving motives.

Cross-References

Psalm 23:1 - "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Isaiah 40:11 - "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
John 10:11 - "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Language Study

In Greek, "know" (γινώσκω - ginōskō) means to "perceive," "understand," or "recognize," indicating an intimate and experiential knowledge, not just an awareness of facts.

The phrase "am known of mine" also uses a form of the same verb (γινώσκομαι - ginōskomai), strengthening the mutual recognition between Jesus and His followers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, leaders were often likened to shepherds of their people.

In Egyptian and Mesopotamian mythology, gods and kings were depicted as shepherds guiding and protecting their people.

This biblical shepherd metaphor builds on this widely understood role but also surpasses it by emphasizing the depth of personal care and the extent of sacrifice involved.

In other religious traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the personal relationship as outlined in this verse is often less emphasized, and the path to enlightenment or liberation is more individualistic or based on following a set of teachings, than a personal relationship with a divine shepherd.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not specifically address theological concepts, but studies in psychology and sociology can offer insight into leadership and relational dynamics that might parallel the good shepherd paradigm.

For example, research in attachment theory explores how secure and trusting relationships can be formed between individuals, echoing the idea of being known and knowing others.

Commentaries

Commentators like Matthew Henry or William Barclay reflect on the protective, guiding nature of Christ depicted in this verse.

Many modern commentaries focus on the pastoral aspect of Jesus' ministry, with the shepherd imagery illustrating his role as provider, protector, and guide.

Some have also discussed the aspect of sacrifice and what it means for Jesus to lay down His life for His sheep, pointing out that this level of commitment sets Him apart from other religious leaders throughout history.

John 10

John 10

What does John 10:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 10:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?