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 10:7
KJVThen said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Read it in context
Jesus the Door and the Good Shepherd
Start reading at John 10:1 (John 10:1 to John 10:18).
This passage begins Jesus' parable of the sheepfold and His subsequent explanation of Himself as the Door and the Good Shepherd.
- 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.
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 main event or theme? Jesus declares Himself to be 'the door of the sheep,' explaining His unique and exclusive role as the only way for people to enter into salvation and abundant life, contrasting Himself with false leaders.
- What is God revealing? God, through Jesus, reveals that Jesus is the sole means of access to salvation, protection, and spiritual nourishment for His people. He is the true Shepherd who provides life and security.
- What is the literary style? This is a Gospel narrative, specifically a discourse by Jesus, where He explains a parable (John 10:1-6) and makes a profound 'I AM' statement, clarifying His identity and mission.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of John was written approximately A.D. 85 to 95. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in this chapter occur during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in winter, approximately A.D. 27 to 30. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The discourse takes place in Jerusalem, specifically in the temple in Solomon's porch. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, John, was traditionally located in Ephesus when he wrote this Gospel. traditionally held
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus the Door and the Good Shepherd (John 10:1 to John 10:18). Start reading at John 10:1. This passage begins Jesus' parable of the sheepfold and His subsequent explanation of Himself as the Door and the Good Shepherd.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This statement follows Jesus' parable of the sheepfold (John 10:1-6), which His audience did not understand. Jesus then explicitly identifies Himself as 'the door of the sheep' to clarify His role as the exclusive way to salvation and true spiritual leadership, contrasting Himself with the 'thieves and robbers' (false leaders) mentioned earlier. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus directly declares, 'I am the door of the sheep,' presenting Himself as the exclusive and necessary way to salvation, access to God, and abundant spiritual life. He is the only entrance into the 'sheepfold' of God's people, through whom one 'shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.' interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to recognize and affirm Jesus Christ as the sole 'door' to salvation and spiritual life. This means trusting in Him alone for access to God and rejecting any other path or leader that does not acknowledge Him as the exclusive way. It encourages following His voice and finding security and provision in Him. interpretation
Cited: John 10:1-6, John 10:7, John 10:8-18, John 10:22-23, John 10:9, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 10:19-22, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 95:7, Psalm 100:3, Isaiah 53:6, Ezekiel 34:31, Luke 15:4-6
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
- I am John 10:1,9 John 14:6 Eph 2:18 Heb 10:19-22
- the sheep Ps 79:13 Ps 95:7 Ps 100:3 Isa 53:6 Ezek 34:31 Luke 15:4-6
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.