Keraia
John 10

John 10:17

Jesus the Good Shepherd · John 10:1–21
Read John 10

Translations

Modern
The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.
Traditional
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Literal
Because of this, the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I might take it again.
Latin
Propterea me diligit Pater: quia ego pono animam meam, ut iterum sumam eam.

Interlinear

Greek
English
The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.

Notes

John 10:14–17

I give my life for the sheep: Jesus was speaking about his coming death. He was referring to his crucifixion (his death on a cross; chapter 19).

John 10:1–21

This illustration of a shepherd and his sheep comes from a Middle Eastern perspective of shepherding and Old Testament traditions in first-century AD Jewish culture. God was the shepherd of Israel (Genesis 49:24; Psalms 23; 78:52–53; Isaiah 40:10–11).

Spiritual and political leaders of Israel were also shepherds of God’s people, the flock of God (Isaiah 56:9–12; Jeremiah 23:1–4; Ezekiel 34).

Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Dedication (see John 10:22). At that time, people remembered both faithful and unfaithful leaders in Israel’s history.

In this setting, Jesus addressed the theme of shepherds. He spoke in a way that echoes Ezekiel 34, where God condemns bad shepherds and promises to care for his people himself. Jesus then identified himself as the good shepherd (John 10:11–14).

John 10:1–42

Chapter 10 continues the series of feast sermons (see study note on 5:1–10:42). Here, the setting is the Feast of Dedication. The timing of this feast is important for understanding the story (see study note on 10:22).

Theme notes and profiles

The Shepherd

Events

Parallels

Psalm 23:1–6 Ezekiel 34:11–24

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Exaltation of Christ Ezekiel, Book of John, Gospel of Sheep Shepherd Soul

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Death of Jesus, the Christ: Death of, Voluntary Jesus, the Christ: Design of his Death Jesus, the Christ: Omnipotence of Jesus, the Christ: Son of God Jesus, the Christ: Teaches People (In Jerusalem) Sheep of the People of Christ The Atonement was Voluntary The Death of Christ was Voluntary The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death