John 10:10 kjv
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.
John 10:10 nkjv
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 niv
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 esv
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 nlt
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 10:1 | "Very truly I tell you Pharisees, whoever does not enter the sheep pen by the gate... | John 10:1 (Entry Point) |
| Isaiah 53:4-6 | Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... | Isa 53:4-6 (Suffering) |
| Jeremiah 23:1-4 | "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" | Jer 23:1-4 (False Shepherds) |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son... | John 3:16 (Abundant Life) |
| 1 Peter 5:8 | Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion... | 1 Pet 5:8 (Enemy's Nature) |
| Galatians 5:17 | For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. | Gal 5:17 (Flesh vs. Spirit) |
| Acts 20:29-30 | "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." | Acts 20:29-30 (Threats) |
| John 8:12 | When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world..." | John 8:12 (Light of World) |
| Romans 8:2 | because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from sin and death. | Rom 8:2 (Freedom in Christ) |
| Ephesians 2:1-3 | As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins... | Eph 2:1-3 (Past State) |
| John 14:6 | Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life..." | John 14:6 (Jesus is Life) |
| 1 John 5:11-13 | And this is the testimony: God has cytochrome us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. | 1 John 5:11-13 (Eternal Life) |
| Psalm 23:1 | The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. | Ps 23:1 (Good Shepherd) |
| John 10:11 | "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." | John 10:11 (Good Shepherd) |
| John 10:9 | "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved..." | John 10:9 (Salvation) |
| 2 Corinthians 4:8 | We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. | 2 Cor 4:8 (Perseverance) |
| Romans 5:17 | For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned... how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace... | Rom 5:17 (Abundant Grace) |
| John 6:68 | "Lord," Simon Peter replied, "to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life." | John 6:68 (Words of Life) |
| Proverbs 1:32 | For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. | Prov 1:32 (Foolishness Destroys) |
| Ezekiel 34:2-6 | "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel..." | Ezek 34:2-6 (Shepherds' Duty) |
| Philippians 1:21 | For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. | Phil 1:21 (Living for Christ) |
| Luke 10:19 | I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. | Luke 10:19 (Power over Enemy) |
John 10 verses
John 10 10 Meaning
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. This verse contrasts the destructive intent of an enemy with the life-giving purpose of Jesus. It highlights the qualitative difference between the existence offered by the deceiver and the rich, fulfilling life provided by Christ.
John 10 10 Context
This verse is part of Jesus' discourse in John chapter 10, where he presents himself as the Good Shepherd. He is speaking to the Pharisees and the crowds, who are grappling with his claims of authority and divine sonship. He has just spoken about entering the sheepfold through the gate, which he later clarifies refers to himself. This passage contrasts Jesus' genuine care and provision for his sheep (believers) with the exploitative and destructive actions of false shepherds or those who seek to harm. The Pharisees, often seen as hirelings or wolves by Jesus, are implicated as those who seek to steal, kill, and destroy, in contrast to Jesus, who offers true life.
John 10 10 Word Analysis
He (ō ēlthēn - "He came"): Refers specifically to Jesus Christ.
thief (kleptēs - "a thief"): A general term for someone who steals, representing those who prey upon the vulnerable, particularly in a spiritual sense. This includes false messiahs, false prophets, and demonic forces that aim to lead people astray.
comes (erchetai - "he comes"): Indicates purpose and intent.
only (ei mē - "except"): This Greek word "eimi" implies the exclusive purpose or sole intention of the thief.
to steal (klepsē - "that he might steal"): The first of three destructive actions. This speaks to illicit acquisition, pilfering, and appropriation of what rightfully belongs to another, in this case, God's flock.
to kill (thueasē - "that he might kill"): The second action. This goes beyond mere theft to outright destruction of life, signifying spiritual death or ruin.
to destroy (apollē - "that he might destroy"): The third action. This implies a complete obliteration or utter ruin, leading to permanent loss and annihilation.
I (egō - "I"): Jesus directly contrasts himself with the thief.
have come (ēlthēn - "I came"): Similar to the thief's arrival, emphasizing Jesus' purposeful entrance into the world.
that (hina - "in order that"): Indicates the purpose and goal of Jesus' coming.
they (autoi - "they"): Refers to the sheep, meaning the believers or followers of Jesus.
may have (echōsin - "may have"): The recipients of Jesus' life-giving purpose.
life (zōēn - "life"): The essential spiritual and eternal existence that Christ offers, contrasting with the death brought by the thief.
and (kai - "and"): Connects the first aspect of Jesus' gift with a more intense quality.
may have it (echōsin - "may have"): Repeats the offer of possession.
more abundantly (perissoteron - "more abundantly"): This is a key comparative term, meaning excessively, surpassingly, or more abundantly. It suggests a life that is not merely present, but rich, full, and overflowing. It implies a life that exceeds mere survival, a life of superior quality and quantity.
Words group analysis:
- "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy": This phrase establishes a stark picture of malice and malevolence. It depicts the spiritual enemy's singular focus on ruin.
- "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly": This presents the absolute antithesis to the thief's purpose. Jesus' mission is one of bestowal, restoration, and abundant increase. The "life" here is not just biological existence but spiritual and eternal vitality. "More abundantly" emphasizes the superior quality and richness of this life.
John 10 10 Bonus Section
The imagery of the sheep and shepherd is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel often condemned the corrupt leaders of Israel for being poor shepherds who failed to protect and nourish the flock, allowing them to be scattered and preyed upon. Jesus, by identifying himself as the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep, fulfills these prophecies and contrasts himself with the exploitative "shepherds" who led God's people astray. The concept of "abundant life" (perissoteron) points towards the overflowing, surpassing blessings of God's kingdom, a theme present throughout scripture, signifying a life so rich that it surpasses all worldly expectations or the mere absence of death.
John 10 10 Commentary
Jesus powerfully contrasts his mission with that of the spiritual enemy. The enemy's sole purpose is devastation—to steal spiritual truths, kill spiritual vitality, and ultimately destroy souls. This reflects the devil's aim as described in scripture. However, Jesus’ arrival signals a diametrically opposed agenda. His purpose is the full restoration and abundant flourishing of those who follow him. The "life" he offers is eternal and of a quality far exceeding anything the world or the deceiver can provide; it's a life characterized by purpose, joy, and intimate connection with God. This abundant life is not about material prosperity but a deep, abiding spiritual fulfillment that overcomes the destructive forces of evil.
- Practical usage: When facing discouragement, loss, or feelings of spiritual depletion, remember that the enemy seeks this. Turn to Christ, the source of true, abundant life. Cling to His promises and seek Him through prayer and Scripture.