John 10 11

John 10:11 kjv

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 nkjv

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 10:11 niv

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 esv

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 nlt

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

John 10 verses

John 10 11 Meaning

In John 10:11, Jesus unequivocally declares His divine identity and supreme role: "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This statement presents Jesus as the ideal and true spiritual guide and protector of His people. The defining characteristic of this "goodness" is His willingness to voluntarily offer His own life for the welfare and salvation of those He leads, setting Him apart from any other leader or guide.

John 10 11 Context

John 10:11 is part of Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd, which immediately follows the account of healing the man born blind (John 9) and the ensuing conflict with the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees. These leaders had spiritually mismanaged God's "flock" and were themselves spiritually "blind" (John 9:40-41). Jesus introduces the allegory of the sheepfold and the shepherd (John 10:1-5) before declaring His identity as both the "door/gate" (John 10:7, 9) and, more profoundly, "the good shepherd." This imagery draws heavily on Old Testament prophecy, where God is often portrayed as the Shepherd of Israel and where future righteous leaders, including the Messiah, are expected to act as shepherds. Jesus contrasts Himself with robbers, thieves, and hired hands (John 10:8, 12), implicitly critiquing the existing spiritual leadership who did not genuinely care for the people.

John 10 11 Word analysis

• I am: Greek Egō eimi (ἐγὼ εἰμί). This is a definitive declaration of Jesus' divine self-identity. It directly echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in Ex 3:14 ("I AM WHO I AM") and establishes Jesus as sharing the very essence of God. This phrase consistently asserts His unique status and authority throughout John's Gospel.
• the good: Greek kalos (καλός). More than just morally "good," kalos conveys a sense of intrinsic excellence, ideal fitness for purpose, beauty, and nobility. It signifies superior quality that evokes admiration and worthiness, indicating Jesus is the perfect shepherd, fulfilling every aspect of the role with excellence and grace, contrasting with lesser, flawed shepherds.
• shepherd: Greek poimēn (ποιμήν). This term denotes someone who tends and guides sheep, providing protection, sustenance, and direction. In biblical culture, it was a profound metaphor for leadership, with kings, priests, and God Himself being referred to as shepherds. It highlights a relationship of care, authority, and intimacy with the flock.
• lays down: Greek títhēsi (τίθησι). This verb implies a deliberate, voluntary, and purposeful act. It is not something passively taken or lost, but actively offered. It emphasizes Jesus' conscious choice and control over His sacrifice, indicating that His death was not a defeat but a purposeful self-offering.
• His life: Greek tēn psychēn autou (τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ). Psychē refers to one's soul, breath, or the animating life principle—the very essence of one's being. Laying down His life means sacrificing Himself entirely, encompassing physical life and indeed His entire self, as the ultimate act of love and atonement.
• for the sheep: Greek hyper tōn probatōn (ὑπὲρ τῶν προβάτων). The preposition hyper signifies "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "instead of." It carries the clear implication of a substitutionary act, where the shepherd's life is given for (in place of) the sheep, pointing to the atoning nature of Christ's sacrifice.
• "I am the good shepherd": This phrase functions as a profound declaration of both Jesus' unique identity and His singular mission. It establishes Him as the sole authentic and perfect caregiver and leader for God's people, differentiating Him from all other forms of leadership, especially the flawed ones of His time.
• "the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep": This clause immediately defines what makes Jesus the "good" shepherd. His goodness is intrinsically linked to and evidenced by His self-sacrificial love. This willingness to surrender His life on behalf of the flock is the ultimate measure of His care and stands as the bedrock of His claim to perfect shepherdship.

John 10 11 Bonus section

The image of the shepherd laying down his life was particularly poignant in the ancient world, as shepherds faced constant dangers from predators or thieves. A true shepherd would fight for his flock, even at personal risk. Jesus takes this a step further by stating He lays down His life, implying an active and willing surrender, not a forced one. This fulfills ancient prophecies where God Himself promises to shepherd His people and even raise up a "one shepherd" (Ezek 34) in a Davidic tradition. The phrase "lays down His life" is also key to understanding the nature of the Atonement – it signifies a voluntary, sovereign act of infinite value. The connection to the "I Am" statements roots this shepherd figure deeply in the divine nature of God, presenting Jesus not just as a good leader, but the divine and perfectly sacrificial Lord who ensures eternal life for His own.

John 10 11 Commentary

John 10:11 succinctly presents Jesus' core identity and redemptive mission. As the "good shepherd," He is not merely morally upright, but inherently noble and perfectly suited to guide and protect His flock. The distinctive proof of this goodness is His deliberate and voluntary decision to lay down His life, not as a casualty, but as an act of profound love and substitutionary sacrifice for the sheep. This contrasts Him sharply with those who seek self-preservation or personal gain, whether they be the "hired hands" who abandon the flock in danger, or the corrupt religious leaders of His day who failed to truly shepherd God's people. This verse is a foundational statement of Christ's character, highlighting His ultimate act of selfless love and His secure position as the life-giving, protecting caregiver of all who belong to Him. Jesus embodies perfect leadership because He models ultimate service, offering His very life to secure the lives of His followers, providing an unparalleled example for all who would lead in His name.