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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 10:22 mean?

Explanation

John 10:22 mentions "the feast of the dedication" taking place in Jerusalem during winter.

This verse is part of a narrative where Jesus is walking in the Temple in Solomon's porch. The feast referred to is Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, following its desecration by the Syrian-Greeks.

It is also known as the Festival of Lights due to the miraculous burning of the menorah for eight days with a one-day supply of oil. The mention of winter simply places the timeline, as Hanukkah occurs in late November or December in the Gregorian calendar.

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Historical Context

The historical background of Hanukkah dates back to the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167-160 BCE).

The Jews, led by the Maccabees, were fighting against the empire's attempts to impose Hellenistic culture and religion upon them.

After their victory, the Maccabees cleansed and rededicated the temple, which had been profaned by pagan worship and practices.

The story of that rededication, including the miracle of the oil, is the basis for the feast of dedication.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is significant because Jesus is present at a Jewish festival, emphasizing his Jewish identity and the continuity between Judaism and Christianity.

Theologically, some see Jesus' presence at the festival as symbolically representing himself as the light of the world, echoing the themes of light associated with Hanukkah. This aligns with other New Testament texts, such as John 8:12, where Jesus says, "I am the light of the world."

Practical Applications

The feast of dedication, or Hanukkah, provides an opportunity to reflect on themes of light overcoming darkness, religious freedom, and the preservation of religious identity.

Practically speaking, individuals might be inspired by these themes to advocate for religious freedom, to stand against oppression, or to participate in traditions that honor their spiritual heritage.

Moreover, one can be inspired to find hope in seemingly hopeless situations, much like the miracle of the oil lasting eight days in the Maccabean story.

Cross-References

John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Leviticus 23:43: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
1 Maccabees 4:36-59 (Apocrypha, not in the KJV): The description of the rededication of the altar and the temple.

Language Study

"Feast" (Greek: ἐγκαίνια, enkainia) - This word comes from the Greek term for "dedication" or "consecration." Its use here corresponds to the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
"Dedication" (Greek: ἐγκαίνια) - As mentioned, this refers to the dedication or rededication of something, typically a temple or altar.
"Jerusalem" - The city name remains consistent across languages, referring to the historic and spiritual center of Jewish worship.
"Winter" (Greek: χειμών, cheimon) - This Greek word signifies the colder season of the year, corresponding to what modern readers would understand as winter.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Hanukkah in Jewish tradition can be compared to various ancient winter solstice festivals, given its emphasis on light during the darkest time of the year.

Many cultures have festivals during this time that celebrate light, rebirth, and renewal.

However, Hanukkah is notably different in its specific historical basis and religious significance.

Scientific Perspectives

The acknowledgment of "winter" in this verse aligns with the understanding of seasons due to Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the sun.

While the verse does not directly engage with any scientific concepts, it accurately places Hanukkah in the seasonal context that would be observed through natural solar patterns.

commentaries

Commentators generally highlight the significance of Jesus' presence at this festival, considering it symbolic of his claim to be the light of the world and the true fulfillment of temple worship.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the particularity of this festival to the message of the gospel, indicating Jesus’ role in purifying and restoring spiritual worship.

Others, such as the Pulpit Commentary, discuss the chronological importance of this verse in understanding Jesus' ministry during the winter preceding his final Passover.

John 10

John 10

What does John 10:22 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 10:22 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?