John 10:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible:

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

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} he that entereth in^{G1525} by^{G1223} the door^{G2374} is^{G2076} the shepherd^{G4166} of the sheep^{G4263}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for John 10:2

John 10:2 is part of Jesus' discourse in the Gospel of John, where He uses the imagery of a shepherd and sheep to convey profound spiritual truths. The verse states, "But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." This statement is rich in thematic content and is set within the historical context of first-century Palestine, where shepherding was a common and well-understood occupation.

The primary theme of this verse is Jesus' self-identification as the true shepherd, contrasting Himself with false leaders or "thieves and robbers" mentioned earlier in John 10:1. In the ancient Middle East, a shepherd would lead his flock into a sheepfold, often a walled enclosure, through a narrow door. Jesus, by stating that He enters by the door, suggests that He is the legitimate shepherd who has the right to lead the sheep, as opposed to illegitimate leaders who would climb over the wall to steal the sheep.

Historically, this verse reflects the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would be like David, the shepherd-king. Jesus is presenting Himself as the fulfillment of this expectation, the good shepherd who cares for His flock. The shepherd metaphor speaks to Jesus' protective role, His intimate knowledge of His followers, and His willingness to lay down His life for the sheep, as elaborated later in John 10:11-18.

In a broader theological context, the verse underscores the themes of salvation, guidance, and authority. Jesus is the door (John 10:7), and entering through Him implies accepting His teachings and following His path to salvation. The shepherd's role also signifies spiritual guidance, with Jesus leading believers to spiritual nourishment and safety. The verse thus encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission: to gather and care for His people, leading them into a right relationship with God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G1525
   There are 186 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰσέρχομαι
   Transliteration: eisérchomai
   Pronunciation: ice-er'-khom-ahee
   Description: from εἰς and ἔρχομαι; to enter (literally or figuratively):--X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through).
   
3. Strong's Number: G1223
   There are 580 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διά
   Transliteration: diá
   Pronunciation: dee-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--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). In composition it retains the same general importance.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2374
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θύρα
   Transliteration: thýra
   Pronunciation: thoo'-rah
   Description: apparently a primary word (compare "door"); a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively):--door, gate.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4166
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ποιμήν
   Transliteration: poimḗn
   Pronunciation: poy-mane'
   Description: of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively):--shepherd, pastor.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4263
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πρόβατον
   Transliteration: próbaton
   Pronunciation: prob'-at-on
   Description: probably neuter of a presumed derivative of προβαίνω; something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e. (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively):--sheep(-fold).