John 10:6

Translations

Modern

Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.

Traditional

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

Literal

Jesus spoke to them this allegory, but they did not know what it was that He was saying to them.

Latin

Hoc proverbium dixit eis Jesus: illi autem non cognoverunt quid loqueretur eis.

Interlinear

Greek

English

Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.

Notes

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

Isaiah 56:11
Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
Proverbs 28:5
Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Psalm 82:5
They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.
Matthew 13:51
Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered.
John 16:25
I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
Psalm 106:7
Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp Your wonders or remember Your abundant kindness; but they rebelled by the sea, there at the Red Sea.
Isaiah 6:9–10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 8:43
Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.
John 6:52
At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?”
Matthew 13:13–14
This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’

Parallels

Psalm 23:1–6 Ezekiel 34:11–24

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

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

Topics

Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Good Shepherd Jesus, the Christ: Teaches People (In Jerusalem) Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Sheep of the Righteous Shepherd of Christ Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ

John 10:6

Translations?

Interlinear?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?