John 10:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} am {G1510} the good {G2570} shepherd {G4166}: the good {G2570} shepherd {G4166} giveth {G5087} his {G846} life {G5590} for {G5228} the sheep {G4263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:11 presents one of Jesus Christ's pivotal "I AM" declarations, revealing His divine identity and profound, sacrificial love for humanity. In this statement, Jesus identifies Himself as "the good shepherd," a title that encapsulates His benevolent care, unwavering protection, and ultimate willingness to lay down His own life for the well-being and salvation of His flock, distinguishing Him from all others who might claim leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is central to Jesus' extended discourse in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd Discourse"), which immediately follows the healing of the man born blind in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Healing the Man Born Blind"). The Pharisees' spiritual blindness and their expulsion of the healed man prompt Jesus to contrast their false, self-serving leadership with His own true, life-giving shepherding. He begins the chapter with parables of the sheepfold, identifying Himself first as the "door" or "gate" through which the sheep enter and find pasture ([John 10:7-9](/john/10-7-9 "John 10:7-9 - Jesus is the Gate")), and then as the "good shepherd" who leads them to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). The verses immediately following [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice") further elaborate on this contrast, depicting the "hireling" who abandons the sheep when danger approaches ([John 10:12-13](/john/10-12-13 "John 10:12-13 - The Hireling's Cowardice")), emphasizing the unique, self-sacrificial nature of the Good Shepherd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a shepherd and sheep was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite culture, where shepherding was a common and vital profession. This metaphor was also rich with theological significance, frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's relationship with His people and the role of their leaders. Kings and spiritual leaders were often referred to as shepherds, and their failure to care for the flock was a recurring prophetic indictment. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel condemned the corrupt shepherds (leaders) who exploited and neglected God's flock ([Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against False Shepherds")), and then foretold that God Himself would come to shepherd His people, even raising up "one shepherd, my servant David" ([Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - God's Promise of One Shepherd")). Similarly, [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") beautifully portrays the Lord as a caring shepherd. Jesus' declaration thus resonated powerfully with His audience, presenting Him as the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies and the ultimate, divine Shepherd.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:11 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' **divine identity** through the "I AM" statement, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed")). Secondly, the verse highlights Jesus' **sacrificial love** as the defining characteristic of His shepherding. His willingness to "giveth his life for the sheep" foreshadows His crucifixion as the ultimate act of atonement, setting Him apart from any other leader. Thirdly, it emphasizes **security and salvation** for His followers; by laying down His life, Jesus secures eternal protection and abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Promise of Abundant Life")) for those who belong to Him. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **true leadership** versus false, contrasting Jesus' selfless, life-giving leadership with the self-serving motives of those who prey on the flock.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** (G2570) This word signifies more than mere competence; it means "beautiful," "noble," "excellent," or "ideal." It implies intrinsic goodness, moral excellence, and a quality that is admirable and beneficial. When Jesus calls Himself the "good" shepherd, He is declaring Himself to be the perfect, exemplary, and ideal shepherd in every aspect, embodying all the virtues of a true protector, provider, and guide, not merely one who is adequate.
* **shepherd (Greek, _poimḗn'_):** (G4166) This term refers to one who tends sheep, but biblically, it also carries the metaphorical meaning of a leader, ruler, or pastor who guides and cares for a group of people. In this context, Jesus uses it to describe His role as the spiritual leader and guardian of His followers, the "sheep" of His flock.
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** (G5590) This word denotes "breath," "soul," or "the sentient principle." It refers to the animating principle of an individual, their very being or existence, distinct from "zoē" (mere vitality or life in general) and "pneuma" (spirit, often referring to the rational or immortal soul). Here, Jesus speaks of giving up His physical life, His very existence, as a voluntary sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am the good shepherd:"** This is one of Jesus' seven profound "I AM" (Greek: _Egō Eimi_) statements in John's Gospel, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name 'I AM'"). By using this phrase, Jesus implicitly claims divine authority and identity. The addition of "the good shepherd" (Greek: _ho poimēn ho kalos_) identifies His divine nature with a specific, deeply significant role. He is not just any shepherd, but the ideal, perfect, and morally excellent shepherd who embodies all the qualities of a true guardian and provider for His flock.
* **"the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."** This clause explains _how_ Jesus is the "good" shepherd. The Greek word for "giveth" (_títhēmi_, G5087) means "to lay down" or "to place," emphasizing a deliberate, voluntary act rather than a forced one. Jesus' "life" (_psychḗ_, G5590) refers to His very being, His animating principle, which He willingly surrenders. The preposition "for" (_hypér_, G5228) here signifies "on behalf of," "instead of," or "for the sake of," indicating a substitutionary and beneficial sacrifice. This statement is a direct prophecy of His impending crucifixion, where He would voluntarily offer His life as an atonement for the sins of humanity, distinguishing Him fundamentally from a hireling who flees danger.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:11 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological depth. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** of the shepherd and the sheep, which runs throughout the entire chapter. Jesus uses this familiar imagery to illustrate His relationship with His followers, portraying Himself as the caring, protective shepherd and His disciples as the dependent, vulnerable sheep. This metaphor evokes a sense of intimacy, guidance, and security. Furthermore, Jesus' declaration "I am the good shepherd" is a powerful example of an **"I AM" Statement**, a recurring literary and theological motif in John's Gospel. These statements are direct claims to divine identity, linking Jesus to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who revealed Himself as "I AM" to Moses. Finally, the verse functions within a broader literary context of **Contrast**, implicitly setting Jesus, the Good Shepherd, apart from the "thieves and robbers" ([John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Thief and the Door")) and the "hirelings" ([John 10:12-13](/john/10-12-13 "John 10:12-13 - The Hireling's Lack of Care")) who exploit or abandon the flock. This contrast highlights the unique, selfless nature of Jesus' leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:11 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the very heart of Jesus' mission: sacrificial love for the redemption of humanity. This verse directly connects Jesus to the Old Testament prophecies of God as the Shepherd of His people, fulfilling the long-awaited promise of a compassionate and righteous leader who would gather and protect His flock. More profoundly, it unveils the substitutionary nature of His atoning work, where His voluntary giving of life provides salvation and eternal security for all who believe. This act of laying down His life is the ultimate demonstration of divine love, establishing the foundation for the new covenant and the believer's relationship with God.

* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God's Promise to Shepherd His Flock")
* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:11 offers profound comfort and a clear call to discipleship for believers today. To know that Jesus is "the good shepherd" who willingly laid down His life for us reshapes our understanding of God's love and our own value in His eyes. This truth invites us to rest in His unfailing care, recognizing that our ultimate security and well-being are found in Him, not in worldly circumstances or human leaders. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper trust in His guidance, to listen for and obey His voice amidst the many competing voices of the world, just as sheep recognize their shepherd's call. Furthermore, reflecting on His voluntary sacrifice should ignite a profound sense of gratitude, inspiring us to live lives that honor His immense love and to follow His example of selfless service, recognizing that true life is found in giving ourselves for others, just as He did for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' identity as the Good Shepherd impact your sense of security and belonging in a world full of uncertainty?**
* **In what practical ways can you better listen to and follow the voice of your Shepherd in your daily life?**
* **How does the voluntary nature of Jesus' sacrifice deepen your gratitude and commitment to Him?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus calling Himself "the good shepherd"?**

Answer: When Jesus calls Himself "the good shepherd," He is making a profound statement about His identity and mission. The term "good" (Greek: _kalós_) implies not just competence, but excellence, nobility, and ideal perfection. He is the shepherd who perfectly fulfills the role of protector, provider, and guide for His flock. This title also connects Him to Old Testament prophecies where God Himself is depicted as the ultimate Shepherd of Israel, and where corrupt human leaders are condemned as false shepherds (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")). By declaring this, Jesus asserts His divine authority and His unique, benevolent relationship with His followers, contrasting sharply with the self-serving "thieves and robbers" or "hirelings" He mentions in [John 10:1-13](/john/10-1-13 "John 10:1-13 - The Shepherd, the Gate, and the Hireling").

**What does it mean that the good shepherd "giveth his life for the sheep"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the ultimate act of sacrificial love that defines Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd. The Greek word for "giveth" (_títhēmi_) means "to lay down" or "to place," emphasizing that Jesus' act was entirely voluntary and intentional, not forced or accidental. His "life" (_psychḗ_) refers to His very being or soul. Thus, Jesus is proclaiming that He will willingly surrender His own life as a substitutionary sacrifice for the benefit and salvation of His "sheep" – His followers. This directly foreshadows His death on the cross, where He would offer His life as an atonement for sin, ensuring the eternal security and abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")) for all who believe in Him. It is the defining characteristic that sets Him apart from any other leader or savior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' perfect embodiment of the divine Shepherd, a role foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. He is the ultimate realization of the promise that God Himself would shepherd His people, as seen in [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd") and [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Indictment and Promise to Shepherd Israel"). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, fulfills this by not merely guiding His flock, but by actively "giving his life for the sheep," a direct prophecy of His atoning death on the cross. This voluntary sacrifice, where He laid down His life and took it up again ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down and Take Up His Life")), is the pinnacle of His redemptive work. Through His death, He secured eternal life and salvation for His flock, demonstrating a love "greater than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love")). He is not only the Good Shepherd but also the "great Shepherd of the sheep" ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Great Shepherd")) and the "Chief Shepherd" ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd's Reward")), who, having accomplished His sacrificial work, now continually intercedes for and watches over His redeemed people, leading them to eternal pastures.

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

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.