FocusHis voice, care, and self-giving
Connection to the wholeJesus contrasts His care with thieves and hirelings, explaining His giving of life for the sheep and producing further division among hearers.
interpretation John 10:17
KJVTherefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Read it in context
The good shepherd
Start reading at John 10:1 (John 10:1 to John 10:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus contrasts His care with thieves and hirelings, explaining His giving of life for the sheep and producing further division among hearers.
- 10:1 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.
- 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
- 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
- 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
- 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
- 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
- 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
- 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
- 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
- 10:10 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.
- 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
- 10:12 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.
- 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
- 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
- 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
- 10:16 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.
- 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
- 10:18 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.
- 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
- 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
- 10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 10:1–10:42): Jesus continues teaching about the shepherd and sheep; later Jewish opponents confront Him at the feast of dedication, while others across Jordan believe His testimony. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The good shepherd. Read John 10:1 through John 10:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus contrasts His care with thieves and hirelings, explaining His giving of life for the sheep and producing further division among hearers. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The good shepherd (John 10:1 to John 10:21). Start reading at John 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 10:1, John 10:21, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- Therefore doth my Father love me, because… John 3:25 John 15:9-10 John 17:4-5,24-26 Isa 42:1,21 Isa 53:7-12 Heb 2:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 10
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. The shepherd discourse follows the conflict over the healed man in John 9.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
At the feast of dedication
John 10:22–39FocusHearing and the Father's works
Connection to the wholeJesus answers demands for plain testimony by pointing to His works and sheep, and His words provoke another attempt to seize Him.
interpretation Beyond Jordan
John 10:40–42FocusTestimony remembered
Connection to the wholeAway from the immediate confrontation, people connect John's witness with Jesus' works and many believe on Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.