John 10:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, He that entereth {G1525} not {G3361} by {G1223} the door {G2374} into {G1519} the sheepfold {G4263}{G833}, but {G235} climbeth up {G305} some other way {G237}, the same {G1565} is {G2076} a thief {G2812} and {G2532} a robber {G3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse introduces one of Jesus' most profound parables, serving as a foundational statement on legitimate spiritual authority and access to God's flock. Through vivid imagery of a sheepfold, a door, and contrasting figures, Jesus immediately distinguishes between true, divinely appointed shepherds and those who seek to exploit or harm God's people by illegitimate means, labeling the latter as "thieves and robbers." This verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent revelation of Himself as both the "door" and the "Good Shepherd," establishing the exclusive path to salvation and authentic spiritual leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial discourse by Jesus, directly following His healing of the man born blind in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind"). In that preceding chapter, the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, demonstrated their spiritual blindness and illegitimate authority by expelling the healed man from the synagogue and refusing to acknowledge Jesus' divine power. Jesus' declaration in [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") therefore serves as a direct indictment of these false shepherds, implicitly critiquing their methods and motives. The parable of the sheepfold and the shepherd provides a stark contrast to the self-serving and spiritually destructive leadership exhibited by those who claimed to guide God's people but failed to recognize the true Shepherd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of sheep and shepherds was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, a predominantly agrarian society. A "sheepfold" (Greek: _aulē_) was a common sight: an enclosure, often a stone wall or cave, where sheep were gathered for protection overnight from predators and thieves. Such folds typically had a single entrance, which would be guarded by a porter or the shepherd himself, who would often sleep across the opening. The shepherd knew his sheep intimately, and the sheep recognized his voice. This familiar setting provides the backdrop for Jesus' teaching, making His points immediately understandable to His audience. The concept of God as a shepherd and His people as sheep was also a long-established biblical metaphor, found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire "Good Shepherd" discourse. Firstly, it establishes the theme of **Legitimate Authority and Entry**, emphasizing that true access to God's people (the "sheepfold") must be through the proper, divinely ordained "door." This contrasts sharply with any attempt to gain influence or control by bypassing this legitimate means, which Jesus condemns. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Identification of False Leaders**, vividly portraying those who "climb up some other way" as individuals driven by self-interest rather than genuine care for the flock. Such figures are characterized as having destructive intentions, akin to a "thief and a robber," who seek to exploit rather than nourish. Finally, it underscores the **Protection and Security of the Flock**, with the sheepfold symbolizing the safety and community of God's people. True shepherds safeguard the flock, while those who enter illegitimately pose a grave threat to their spiritual well-being and eternal security, as further elaborated in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Purpose of the Thief and the Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** This word, repeated for emphasis ("Verily, verily"), is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "firm," "trustworthy," or "surely." In Jesus' teaching, particularly in John's Gospel, the double "Amen" serves as a solemn, authoritative declaration, underscoring the absolute truth, certainty, and profound importance of the statement that follows. It demands the listener's immediate and full attention, signaling a weighty spiritual revelation.
* **door (Greek, _thýra'_):** This term refers to a portal or entrance, whether literally an opening or the closure itself. In [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold"), it functions as a critical metaphorical element, representing the sole legitimate point of access into the "sheepfold," which symbolizes God's people or the community of faith. The concept of the "door" is central to the entire discourse, as Jesus later identifies Himself as this very door in [John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus, the Door of the Sheep").
* **thief (Greek, _kléptēs'_):** This word denotes a stealer, someone who takes by stealth and deception.
* **robber (Greek, _lēistḗs'_):** This term refers to a brigand or a plunderer, implying violence and open aggression.
* By using both "thief" and "robber," Jesus emphasizes the dual nature of illegitimate leadership: both the subtle, deceptive exploitation and the overt, violent oppression that harms God's people. These terms highlight the destructive intent and actions of those who do not enter through the proper means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you,"**: This solemn double affirmation, characteristic of Jesus' teaching in John's Gospel, signals that what follows is a profound, absolute truth that demands the listener's full attention and belief. It underscores the divine authority behind the declaration.
* **"He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold,"**: This clause introduces the central metaphor. The "sheepfold" represents the community of God's people. "Entering by the door" signifies legitimate, authorized access, implying divine commission and proper means. Anyone who attempts to gain access or influence over God's people without this proper authorization is immediately characterized as illegitimate.
* **"but climbeth up some other way,"**: This phrase vividly portrays the illegitimate method of entry. "Climbing up some other way" suggests bypassing the proper, designated entrance. It implies stealth, deception, and a disregard for established order and divine protocol. Such an action reveals a motive that is not for the good of the sheep but for personal gain or malicious intent.
* **"the same is a thief and a robber."**: This declarative statement pronounces judgment on those who enter illegitimately. They are not true shepherds but are likened to criminals who seek to steal, kill, and destroy. "Thief" suggests stealthy, deceptive appropriation, while "robber" implies violent, aggressive plundering. Together, these terms convey the destructive and exploitative nature of those who lead God's people without divine authorization and genuine care.

#### Literary Devices
[John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") is rich in literary devices, primarily employing **Allegory** and **Metaphor**. The entire passage functions as an extended allegory, where elements like the "sheepfold," "door," "shepherd," "thief," and "robber" represent spiritual realities. The "sheepfold" is a **metaphor** for the community of God's people, the "door" is a **metaphor** for the legitimate means of access and authority (ultimately Christ Himself), and the "thief and robber" are **metaphors** for false leaders or those who seek to exploit the flock. The phrase "climbeth up some other way" is a vivid **idiom** or **metaphorical expression** for illegitimate entry. The **Repetition** of "Verily, verily" (Greek: _Amen, amen_) serves as a powerful **rhetorical device**, emphasizing the absolute truth and solemnity of Jesus' pronouncement, demanding the listener's undivided attention to the profound spiritual insight He is about to reveal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") lays the theological groundwork for understanding the nature of true spiritual authority and the exclusive path to salvation. It establishes a fundamental distinction between those who genuinely care for God's people, operating under divine commission, and those who seek personal gain, power, or influence through illegitimate means. Theologically, this verse underscores the necessity of Christ as the sole mediator and access point to God's flock. Any attempt to bypass Christ, whether in leadership or in seeking salvation, is deemed illegitimate and destructive. It highlights God's protective nature over His people and warns against the dangers of false teachers and leaders who, like "thieves and robbers," come only to exploit and harm. This concept resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God raising up true shepherds for His people while condemning those who scatter or devour the flock.

* [John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus is the Door")
* [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Purpose of the Thief and the Shepherd")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") serves as a vital discernment tool, urging us to critically evaluate spiritual leaders, teachings, and pathways. It prompts us to ask whether those who claim to lead God's people genuinely enter "by the door"—that is, through Christ and His appointed means—and demonstrate authentic, sacrificial care for the flock, or if they are seeking personal gain, power, or influence by "climbing up some other way." This verse reinforces the truth that salvation, true spiritual access, and authentic leadership are found only through Jesus Christ, the one legitimate entrance into God's family and kingdom. It calls us to follow the voice of the true Shepherd and to be wary of those whose motives and methods do not align with His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' description of "thieves and robbers" challenge our understanding of spiritual leadership today?**
* **In what ways might individuals or groups attempt to "climb up some other way" into the "sheepfold" of God's people in contemporary contexts?**
* **How can we, as believers, better discern between true shepherds and those who are "thieves and robbers" in sheep's clothing?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "thieves and robbers" Jesus is referring to in this verse?**

Answer: While Jesus does not explicitly name them in [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold"), the immediate literary context in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - The Healing of the Man Born Blind") strongly suggests that He is implicitly referring to the religious leaders of His day, particularly the Pharisees. These leaders had rejected Jesus' authority, expelled the man He healed from the synagogue, and demonstrated a lack of genuine care for the spiritual well-being of the people, focusing instead on their own power and traditions. The "thieves and robbers" are those who seek to gain control over God's people not through legitimate, divinely appointed means (i.e., through Christ), but through self-serving motives, deception, or coercion, ultimately harming the flock rather than protecting and nourishing it.

**What does the "door" symbolize in this passage?**

Answer: In [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold"), the "door" symbolizes the legitimate and exclusive means of access to God's flock. While the verse initially presents it as a physical entrance to a sheepfold, Jesus immediately clarifies its deeper spiritual meaning later in the discourse. In [John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus is the Door") and [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door to Salvation"), Jesus explicitly declares, "I am the door." Therefore, the "door" symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself as the sole pathway to salvation, to a relationship with God, and to authentic spiritual leadership within God's community. Anyone who attempts to enter or lead without going through Him is illegitimate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' subsequent declaration, "I am the door of the sheep" ([John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus is the Door")) and "I am the good shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial setup for understanding Jesus' unique and indispensable role in salvation history. He is not merely a shepherd who enters legitimately; He *is* the very door through whom all true shepherds must enter, and through whom the sheep find salvation and abundant life. Unlike the "thieves and robbers" who come "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Purpose of the Thief and the Shepherd")), Jesus came that His sheep "might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Purpose of the Thief and the Shepherd")). His legitimate entry is validated by His divine origin and His sacrificial death, which opened a new and living way for us to enter into the presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Door to the Sheepfold") powerfully foreshadows Christ as the exclusive means of access to God's kingdom and the ultimate protector and provider for His flock, contrasting His perfect and sacrificial leadership with all false and self-serving attempts to guide God's people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

John 10:8

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

John 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.

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hebrews 5:4

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: