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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 10:15 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 10:15 from the King James Version of the Bible can be perceived as Jesus drawing a comparison between His relationship with God the Father and His relationship with humanity, represented here as the sheep.

The phrase "As the Father knoweth me" suggests a deep, intimate knowledge that the Father has of the Son, which is reflected in the reciprocal knowledge the Son has of the Father.

This is a profound statement of unity and understanding within the divine nature.

The latter part of the verse, "and I lay down my life for the sheep," highlights Jesus' mission of sacrifice.

It implies that Jesus' understanding of His Father's will is so complete that He is willing to offer Himself up sacrificially for the sake of humanity, whom He loves and serves as a shepherd cares for his sheep.

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Historical Context

John 10:15 belongs to a part of the Gospel of John where Jesus is depicted as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).

This metaphorical discourse occurs during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem.

During the period in which John wrote this gospel (circa 90-100 AD), the early Christian community was experiencing a separation from the Jewish synagogues and were facing persecution.

The imagery of Jesus as a shepherd would be reassuring and reflected the Old Testament motif of God as a shepherd to His people, as seen in Psalms 23.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates several key Christian doctrines:

The unique and intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son reflects the Christian belief in the Trinity.
The concept of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who atones for the sins of humanity is central to Christian soteriology.
The idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd emphasizes His role in providing guidance, protection, and ultimately salvation to His flock (followers).

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, John 10:15 encourages followers of Christ to:

Trust in Jesus as the one who understands divine will and leads His followers according to it.
Embody sacrificial love in their own lives, reflecting Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for others.
Recognize the value of deep, reciprocal knowing and relationship-building within the community.

Cross-References

John 10:11 - "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
John 10:27-28 - "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."
1 Peter 2:24 - "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Language Study

The original language of this verse (Koine Greek) adds depth to key terms:

"Knoweth" (γινώσκω - ginōskō) implies intimate or complete knowledge that goes beyond intellectual understanding.
"Lay down" (τίθημι - tithemi) in this context means to voluntarily offer or give up.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the surrounding Roman and Hellenistic cultures, deities and heroes often had myths of sacrifice and rebirth.

However, the Christian narrative stands out in its claim that Jesus' sacrifice was a unique event with cosmic significance for salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science focuses on empirical evidence and does not delve into theological claims, the themes of altruism and sacrifice resonating in this verse can be explored in the fields of psychology, sociology, and evolutionary biology.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into John 10:15:

Some suggest that this verse assures the believer of the depth of Jesus' relationship with God the Father and thus His insight into the divine will concerning human salvation.
Others focus on the shepherd imagery, noting that it illustrates Jesus' love and care for His followers, and His commitment to securing their eternal well-being.
The concept of "laying down one's life" is often seen as the ultimate demonstration of love, as expounded in other parts of the New Testament (e.g., John 15:13).

John 10

John 10

What does John 10:15 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 10:15 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?