John 10:2

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John 10:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

King James Version KJV

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

American Standard Version ASV

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Bible in Basic English BBE

He who goes in by the door is the keeper of the sheep.

Free Bible Version FBV

The one who comes in through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But he that goeth in by the doore, is the shepheard of the sheepe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he who is entering through the door is shepherd of the sheep;

World English Bible WEB

But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But he that entereth by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Translation for Translators T4T

The man who enters the pen through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 10:2

BAB

Word Study

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John 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο δε εισερχομενος δια της θυρας ποιμην εστιν των προβατων

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

εισερχομενος eiserchomai G1525 to enter Verb-PNP-NSM

δια dia G1223 through/because of Prep

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

θυρας thura G2374 door Noun-GSF

ποιμην poimēn G4166 shepherd Noun-NSM

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPN

προβατων probaton G4263 sheep Noun-GPN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 10:2

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εισερχομενος eiserchomai G1525 "to enter" Verb-PNP-NSM

To enter means to go into a place or situation, like Jesus entering a house in Matthew 9:25 or a city in Mark 1:21. It can be physical or symbolic, like entering a new phase of life. This word is used in many Bible stories, including when Jesus entered Jerusalem in Mark 11:11.

Definition: εἰσ-έρχομαι, [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא ;] to go in or into, enter: Mat.9:25, Luk.7:45, al.; before εἰς, Mat.10:12, Mrk.2:1, al.; before διά (πύλης, θύρας, etc.), Mat.7:13, Jhn.10:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. στέγην, Mat.8:8; with adv.: ὅπου, Mrk.14:14, Heb.6:20; ὧδε, Mat.22:12; ἔσω, Mat.26:58; before πρός, with accusative of person(s), Mrk.15:43, Luk.1:28, Act.10:3 11:3 16:40 17:2 28:8, Rev.3:20; of demons taking possession, Mrk.9:25, Luk.8:30 22:3, Jhn.13:27; of food, Mat.15:11, Act.11:8. Metaphorical, of thoughts, Luk.9:46; εἰς κόπον, Jhn.4:38; εἰς πειρασμόν, Mat.26:41, Luk.22:40, 46; of hope as an anchor, Heb.6:19; βοαί, Jas.5:4; πνεῦμα ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; εἰς τ. κόσμον (cf. Wis.2:24 14:14, Jhn.18:37), Rom.5:12, Heb.10:5; in counterparts of Jewish Aram. phrases relating to the theocracy (cf. Dalman, Words, 116ff.): εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.25:10; εἰς τ. χάραν τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23; εἰς τ. ζωήν, Mat.18:8, 9 19:17, Mrk.9:43, 45; εἰς τ. βασιλ. τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.5:20 7:21, al. (see: βασιλεία); εἰς τ. κατάπαυσιν, Heb.3:11, 18 4:1ff.; εἰς τ. δόξαν, Luk.24:26; εἰσ. καὶ ἐξερχ., to go in and out (like Heb. בוֹא וְצֵאת, Deu.28:6, etc.), of familiar intercourse, Act.1:21; figuratively, of moral freedom, Jhn.10:9 (cf. ἐπ-, παρ-, συν-εισέρχομαι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 185 NT verses. KJV: X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:23; Luke 11:37; Hebrews 3:11.

δια dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep

Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.

Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θυρας thura G2374 "door" Noun-GSF

A door or entrance, as in Matthew 6:6 and John 10:1-2. It can be literal or figurative, like an opportunity.

Definition: θύρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for פֶּתַח, also for דַּל, דֶּלֶת, etc. ;] a door: κλείειν (ἀποκ-) τὴν θ., Mat.6:6, Luk.13:25; pass., Mat.25:10, Luk.11:7, Jhn.20:19, 26, Act.21:30; ἀνοίγειν, Act.5:19; pass., Act.16:26-27; κρούειν, Act.12:13; διὰ τῆς θ., Jhn.10:1-2; πρὸς τὴν θ., Mrk.1:33 11:4 (WH om. τήν), Act.3:2; τὰ πρὸς τὴν θ., the space by the door, Mrk.2:2; πρὸς τῇ θ., Jhn.18:16; ἐπὶ τῇ θ, Act.5:9; πρὸ τῆς θ., Act.12:6; ἐπὶ τῶν θ., Act.5:23; ἡ θ. τ. μνημείου, Mat.27:60, Mrk.15:46 16:3. Metaphorical, of Christ, ἡ θ. τ. προβάτων, Jhn.10:7, 9; of the Kingdom of Heaven, Luk.13:24; of opportunities, θ. πίστεως, Act.14:27; θ. μεγάλη, 1Co.16:9; θ. τ. λόγου, Col.4:3; θ. ἀνεῳγμένη (ἠνεῳγ-), 2Co.2:12, Rev.3:8 4:1; of Christ, ἑστηκὼς ἐπὶ τὴν θ. καὶ κρούων, Rev.3:20; of his second coming, ἐπὶ θύραις εἶναι, Mat.24:33, Mrk.13:29; πρὸ θυρῶν ἑστηκέναι, Jas.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: door, gate See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; John 18:16; James 5:9.

ποιμην poimēn G4166 "shepherd" Noun-NSM

A shepherd is someone who cares for and guides a group of people or animals. In the Bible, Jesus is called the Good Shepherd, and church leaders are also shepherds, responsible for guiding their flock, as seen in Matthew 9:36 and John 10:11. This role involves leadership and protection.

Definition: ποιμήν, -ίνος, ὁ [in LXX for רָעָה ;] a shepherd: Mat.9:36 25:32 26:31" (LXX), Mrk.6:34 14:27, Luk.2:8, 15 2:18, 20 Jhn.10:2, 12 Metaphorical, of Christ; Jhn.10:11, 14 10:16 Heb.13:20, 1Pe.2:25; of Christian pastors, Eph.4:11 (cf. Hom., Il, i, 263, ποιμένα λαῶν).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: shepherd, pastor See also: 1 Peter 2:25; Luke 2:8; Hebrews 13:20.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προβατων probaton G4263 "sheep" Noun-GPN

In the Bible, a sheep refers to a literal animal or a person who follows a leader, as in Matthew 7:15 and Romans 8:36.

Definition: πρόβατον, -ου, τό (προβαίνω), [in LXX chiefly for צֹאן, also for שֶׂה, more rarely for כֶּבֶשׂ (כֶּשֶׂב), רָחֵל ;] __1. in Hom., Hdt., cattle, esp. of small cattle, sheep and goats. __2. In NT, as in Attic writers generally (cf. MM, xxi), a sheep: Mat.7:15, Mrk.6:34, al.; πρόβατα σφαγῆς, Rom.8:36 (LXX). Metaphorical (in cl. of timidity, stupidity or idleness), of the followers of a leader or master, esp. of those who are subject to the care of the Good Shepherd: Mat.10:6 15:24 26:31" (LXX) Mrk.14:27 (LXX), Jhn.10:7-8, 15-16 10:26-27 21:16-17 (WH txt., προβάτια), Heb.13:20; opposite to ἐρίφια, Mat.25:33. προβάτιον, -ου, τό, dimin. of πρόβατον (used as a term of endearment, see El., § 27, 4), a little sheep: Jhn.21:16-17 (πρόβατα, WH, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: sheep(-fold) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 21:16; Hebrews 13:20.

Study Notes — John 10:2

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Sermons on John 10:2

Context — Jesus the Good Shepherd

1“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.

2But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 10:14	I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
2	Acts 20:28	Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
3	1 Peter 5:4	And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
4	Psalms 23:1	The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
5	Isaiah 40:11	He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
6	Ecclesiastes 12:11	The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.
7	John 10:11–12	I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.
8	John 10:9	I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.
9	1 Timothy 4:14	Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.
10	Hebrews 13:20	Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

John 10:2 Summary

In John 10:2, Jesus teaches that the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep, meaning that He is the legitimate and proper leader of God's people. As our shepherd, Jesus provides for us, guides us, and protects us, as seen in Psalm 23. He is the one who lays down His life for us, as He says in John 10:11, and He gives us abundant life, as promised in John 10:10. By following Jesus, our shepherd, we can experience the fullness of life and relationship with God that He offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the shepherd of the sheep in John 10:2?

The shepherd of the sheep in John 10:2 is Jesus Christ, as He later identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, laying down His life for the sheep, just as it is written in Psalm 23:1 that the Lord is our Shepherd.

What is the significance of entering by the gate in John 10:2?

Entering by the gate in John 10:2 signifies the proper and legitimate way to become a part of God's flock, as opposed to climbing in some other way, which is compared to being a thief and a robber in John 10:1, emphasizing the importance of coming to God through the correct means, as Jesus is the door to the sheep in John 10:7-9.

How does the gatekeeper's role relate to Jesus as the shepherd?

The gatekeeper's role in opening the gate for the shepherd in John 10:3 underscores the idea that Jesus has been given authority by the Father, as seen in John 10:18, where Jesus says that no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down of His own accord, and in John 17:1-2, where Jesus prays to the Father, acknowledging the authority and glory He had with the Father before the world existed.

What does it mean for Jesus to be the shepherd of the sheep?

As the shepherd of the sheep, Jesus provides guidance, protection, and care for His followers, as seen in Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34:11-16, where God promises to search for His sheep, to seek them out, and to rescue them, and in John 10:10, where Jesus says that He came to give life abundantly, contrasting with the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can ensure I am entering into a deeper relationship with God through the 'gate' of Jesus Christ, rather than trying to climb in my own way?
How does recognizing Jesus as my shepherd change the way I approach challenges and difficulties in my life, and what comfort can I draw from His presence and care?
In what ways can I listen more intently for the voice of Jesus, my shepherd, and follow Him more closely in my daily life, as the sheep follow the shepherd in John 10:4?
What are some areas where I may be trying to take control or find my own way, rather than trusting in Jesus as my shepherd and guide, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?

Gill's Exposition on John 10:2

But he that entereth in by the door,.... With a divine commission, and by a divine authority, who comes not of himself, but is sent; does not take the honour to himself, or thrust in himself, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 10:2

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep - is a true, divinely recognized shepherd.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 10:2

As it is amongst men, the true shepherd goes into the sheepfold by the door; so it is in the church of God. He that taketh not the honour of governing the church to himself, but being called of God, as Aaron was, he is the shepherd of the sheep. This very argument the apostle useth to prove Christ to be the true High Priest, ,5, because he glorified not himself to be made a High Priest, but was made one by him who said unto him, , , Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. God (whose the church is, called his heritage, his peculiar people, & c.) was the Door, by which Christ, the chief Shepherd, entered into the flock; he made him the Head of the church. . For this he is said to be sent; and often makes himself known to us under the notion of him whom the Father hath sent. And the under shepherds must also derive from Christ: as the Father’ s will in sending Christ was his door, so the will of Christ in sending others is their door; that is, their only true way of entering upon the charge of the flock of Christ. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you, . There is a double sending; the one is extraordinary, of which mission Christ speaketh to his apostles in that place; thus the apostles and first ministers of the gospel were sent; Christ breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost, : and there was yet a fuller sending of these first shepherds, in the days of Pentecost, . And there is a more ordinary sending, as to which God revealed his will, , The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others. Thus the apostles, , did themselves ordain elders in every church. And Paul for this purpose left Titus in Crete, to set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, . Whosoever entereth into any place in the church, for the feeding and governing of it, that way which God hath directed in his word, he entereth in by the door, he is the true shepherd. Concerning Christ’ s title, and his way of entrance, and the first preachers of the gospel, immediately sent by Christ, and declared to be sent by the effusion of the Spirit in the days of Pentecost, there can be no question made by any who believeth the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament.

Trapp's Commentary on John 10:2

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. Ver. 2. But he that entereth in by the door] That is, called by Christ to the office of his undershepherd. In physicis aer non faeit seipsum ignem, sed fit a superiori, saith Aquinas. Is the shepherd of the sheep] To the which is required, that he be both learned and loving. This note ariseth out of the notation of the word here used. (Ποιμην quasi οιμην, of οις, a sheep, and μαω, to desire earnestly.)

Ellicott's Commentary on John 10:2

(2) John 10:16 of this chapter finds the commencement of its fulfilment in this mission. The appointment of a new body of disciples, whose very number is symbolical of a wider work, was the first step in the bringing in of the “other sheep.” The Twelve answered to the number of the tribes of Israel; but the Seventy represent the nations of the world. The directions for this work to each body are nearly identical, but the restrictions laid upon the Twelve are not laid upon the Seventy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 10:2

Verse 2. He that entereth in by the door] Observe here the marks, qualities, and duties of a good pastor; The first mark is, that he has a lawful entrance into the ministry by the internal call of Christ, namely, by an impulse proceeding from his Spirit, upon considerations which respect only his glory, and upon motives which aim at nothing but the good of his Church, the salvation of souls, the doing the will of God, and the sacrificing himself entirely to his service, and to that of the meanest of his flock.

Cambridge Bible on John 10:2

2. is the shepherd of the sheep] Better, is a shepherd of the sheep. There is more than one flock in the fold, and therefore more than one shepherd to visit the fold. The Good Shepherd has not yet appeared in the allegory. The allegory indeed is two-fold; in the first part (1–5), which is repeated (7–9), Christ is the Door of the fold; in the second part (11–18) He is the Shepherd; John 10:10 forming a link between the two parts.

Barnes' Notes on John 10:2

He that entereth by the door - This was the way in which a shepherd had access to his flock. In John 10:7 Jesus says he is the door.

Sermons on John 10:2

	Sermon	Description
	Catching Fire by Richard E. Bieber	Richard E. Bieber preaches on the transformative power of divine zeal, emphasizing that many problems believers face would vanish if they were ablaze with God's passion. Drawing fr
	To Know His Voice by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's voice amidst the noise of the world. He outlines three key requirements for hearing God's voice: having unwavering co
	(John - Part 40): The True Shepherd vs. the Hireling by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the thief, the hireling, and the good shepherd as described in the book of John. The thief represents those who come to steal,
	(John - Part 41): God and Man - the Duality of Jesus Christ by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the ultimate act of love for humanity. He highlights that Jesus willingly laid down his life for everyone,
	The Heavenly Calling - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true purpose of God's Church through Christ Jesus. He highlights that in this dispensation, believers hav
	(John) His Own Followers Believers by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of humility and servanthood. The preacher emphasizes the significance of J
	Hearing the Voice of God by Gayle Erwin	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problem with how we tend to listen to God. He uses a role play scenario with a volunteer to illustrate this point. The speaker emphasizes