John 10:21

Translations

Modern

But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Traditional

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

Literal

Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. Is a demon able to open the eyes of the blind?”

Latin

Alii dicebant: Hæc verba non sunt dæmonium habentis: numquid dæmonium potest cæcorum oculos aperire?

Original

Greek

English

But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Notes

John 10:19–21

Jesus divided his audience yet again (see also 6:66–69; 7:43; 9:16). His words and actions led people to one of two responses: opposition or faith.
He is demon-possessed: Compare 7:20; 8:48–49, 52.

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

The Good Shepherd Teachingc. AD 29

Related verses

Exodus 4:11
And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
Isaiah 35:5–6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Psalm 94:9
He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Proverbs 20:12
Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.
Psalm 146:8
…the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
Exodus 8:19
“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
John 9:6
When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes.
John 9:32–33
Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.
Matthew 4:24
News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.

John 10:21

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics