John 10:13

KJV

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} The hireling {G3411} fleeth {G5343}, because {G3754} he is {G2076} an hireling {G3411}, and {G2532}{G846} careth {G3199} not {G3756} for {G4012} the sheep {G4263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The hired worker behaves like this because that’s all he is, a hired worker; so it doesn’t matter to him what happens to the sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.

American Standard Version

he fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:13 succinctly describes the defining characteristic of a "hireling" in contrast to the true shepherd: their flight in the face of danger. This verse emphasizes that the hireling's motivation is purely mercenary, driven by self-preservation and a transactional relationship with the sheep, rather than genuine love or commitment. Their indifference to the flock's welfare is starkly revealed when adversity strikes, exposing their lack of true pastoral care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). Following the healing of the man born blind in [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Healing of the Man Born Blind"), Jesus confronts the spiritual blindness and self-serving nature of the Jewish religious leaders. He uses the allegory of the sheepfold to distinguish between true, life-giving leadership and false, destructive leadership. Jesus first identifies Himself as the "door of the sheep" ([John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus, the Door of the Sheep")) and then as the "Good Shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The hireling is introduced as a foil to the Good Shepherd, serving to highlight the sacrificial love and unwavering commitment that characterize true pastoral care. The immediate preceding verses ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11-12 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd vs. The Hireling")) establish the contrast, stating that the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, while the hireling, seeing the wolf coming, abandons them. [John 10:13](/john/10-13 "John 10:13 - The Hireling's Flight") then provides the reason for the hireling's flight: a fundamental lack of care.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, shepherding was a common and respected profession, deeply embedded in the cultural landscape and frequently used as a metaphor for leadership. Shepherds were responsible for guiding, feeding, and protecting their flocks, often facing dangers from wild animals (wolves, lions, bears) and thieves. A true shepherd would live with the sheep, know them intimately, and risk their own life for the flock. In contrast, a "hireling" was simply an employee, paid to perform a task, but without the personal investment or ownership of the sheep. Their primary loyalty was to their wage, not to the flock itself. This distinction would have been immediately understood by Jesus' audience, who were familiar with both dedicated shepherds and transient laborers. Furthermore, the Old Testament frequently uses the metaphor of shepherds for kings and spiritual leaders, often condemning those who neglected or exploited God's "flock" (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment on Bad Shepherds")). Jesus' words resonate with this prophetic tradition, critiquing the religious authorities of His day who, like hirelings, prioritized their own interests over the well-being of the people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **True vs. False Leadership**, where Jesus contrasts His selfless, sacrificial leadership with the self-serving motives of those who only pretend to care for God's people. The hireling embodies the dangers of **Mercenary Motivation**, highlighting how actions driven by personal gain or fear, rather than genuine love and commitment, inevitably lead to abandonment and harm. This ties into the theme of **Sacrificial Love**, as the hireling's flight directly contrasts with the Good Shepherd's willingness to lay down His life ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The verse also underscores the **Discernment of Character**, providing a clear criterion for identifying true spiritual guides: their steadfastness and care for the flock in times of crisis. Ultimately, it reinforces the **Sovereignty and Care of God** through His Son, Jesus, who alone provides perfect, unwavering protection for His sheep.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hireling (Greek, _misthōtós'_):** From G3411, meaning "a wage-worker (good or bad)." This term precisely defines an individual whose relationship to the sheep is purely transactional. They are employed for pay, lacking the personal investment, ownership, or inherent love that characterizes a true shepherd. Their concern is for their wages and personal safety, not the welfare of the flock.
* **fleeth (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** From G5343, meaning "to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish." This verb describes the decisive and immediate action of the hireling when danger (the wolf) approaches. It signifies an act of abandonment, a retreat from responsibility, and a prioritization of self-preservation over the protection of the vulnerable.
* **careth not (Greek, _mélō'_ with _ou'_):** The verb "careth" is G3199 (_mélō_), meaning "to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)." The preceding negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_) emphatically negates this concern. Together, "careth not" conveys a profound and absolute indifference. It means the sheep are of no personal interest or concern to the hireling; their well-being simply "does not matter" to him. This lack of emotional and moral investment is the root cause of his flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hireling fleeth,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the hireling's defining action in the face of danger. Unlike the Good Shepherd who stands his ground, the hireling's instinct is self-preservation, leading him to abandon the flock. This flight is not a strategic maneuver but a desertion.
* **"because he is an hireling,"**: This clause provides the explicit reason or justification for the hireling's behavior. His identity as a "hireling" — someone working solely for wages without ownership or deep commitment — dictates his response. His transactional relationship with the sheep means his loyalty extends only as far as his personal benefit or safety.
* **"and careth not for the sheep."**: This final clause articulates the underlying motivation and character flaw of the hireling. His flight is a direct consequence of his profound indifference to the sheep's welfare. He lacks genuine concern, affection, or responsibility for them, viewing them merely as a means to a wage rather than as living beings entrusted to his care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes effective use of several literary devices. **Characterization** is central, as Jesus defines the "hireling" not just by his job title but by his actions and underlying motivations. His flight and lack of care are presented as intrinsic to his identity as a hireling, distinguishing him from the true shepherd. **Contrast** is powerfully employed, as the hireling's behavior stands in stark opposition to the Good Shepherd's willingness to lay down his life, a contrast explicitly drawn in the preceding verses. This antithesis highlights the moral and spiritual chasm between self-serving and self-sacrificing leadership. The entire discourse is an **Allegory**, where the "shepherd," "sheep," "hireling," and "wolf" represent spiritual realities and roles within God's people. The hireling serves as a symbolic representation of false or negligent spiritual leaders who prioritize personal gain or safety over the well-being of the flock entrusted to them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:13 profoundly underscores the critical distinction between genuine, God-ordained leadership and that which is merely superficial or self-serving. The hireling's abandonment of the sheep reveals a fundamental theological truth: true care for God's people flows from a heart of love and self-sacrifice, mirroring the very nature of God Himself, who gave His Son for His flock. This verse serves as a divine warning against those who would exploit or neglect the vulnerable for personal gain, emphasizing that authentic spiritual authority is marked by unwavering commitment, even in the face of danger or personal cost. It calls believers to discern leaders not by their titles or charisma, but by their demonstrated care and willingness to protect the flock.

* [Ezekiel 34:2-4](/ezekiel/34-2-4 "Ezekiel 34:2-4 - Condemnation of Negligent Shepherds")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits")
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:13 offers a penetrating lens through which to examine the nature of leadership, service, and personal responsibility in all spheres of life, particularly within the church. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and titles to discern the true motivations of those who claim to lead or care for others. For those in positions of authority, it serves as a sobering reminder that genuine leadership is characterized by a profound, self-sacrificing love for those entrusted to their care, not by personal ambition, comfort, or financial reward. When trials or dangers arise, the true shepherd remains steadfast, while the hireling flees, revealing their true heart. For followers, this verse provides a crucial criterion for evaluating spiritual guides: do they remain committed and protective when circumstances are difficult, or do they abandon their responsibilities? Ultimately, it calls each of us to reflect on our own "care" for others—whether in our families, communities, or ministries—and to ensure our actions are driven by genuine love and commitment, rather than by what we can gain or avoid.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my service and leadership, both in my spiritual life and in other areas? Is it genuine care, or personal gain/comfort?**
* **How do I respond when difficulties or dangers arise in my responsibilities towards others? Do I stand firm, or am I tempted to "flee"?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper, more sacrificial "care for the sheep" in my own life, mirroring the heart of the Good Shepherd?**
* **How can I better discern the true motives of those who lead me, both spiritually and otherwise, based on their actions in times of crisis?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary difference between a "hireling" and a "shepherd" in this passage?**

Answer: The primary difference lies in their motivation and commitment. A "hireling" (Greek: _misthōtós_) works purely for wages; their connection to the sheep is transactional and temporary. When danger, such as a wolf, approaches, their priority is self-preservation, leading them to abandon the flock because they have no personal investment or genuine care for the sheep's welfare. In contrast, a true "shepherd" (like Jesus, the Good Shepherd) has a deep, personal bond with the sheep, views them as his own, and is willing to lay down his life to protect them, demonstrating unwavering love and commitment ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11-12 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd vs. The Hireling")).

**Why does Jesus use the analogy of a "hireling" to describe certain leaders?**

Answer: Jesus uses the "hireling" analogy to expose the self-serving nature of certain religious leaders of His day who, like the hireling, were more concerned with their own status, power, or comfort than with the spiritual well-being of the people they were supposed to shepherd. They were "shepherds" in name only, failing to protect or nourish the flock when it mattered most. This analogy serves as a timeless warning against any leadership, spiritual or otherwise, that lacks genuine love and commitment, prioritizing personal gain or safety over the needs of those entrusted to their care. It highlights that true leadership is about sacrifice, not exploitation or abandonment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:13, in its stark portrayal of the hireling's flight and indifference, serves to magnify the unparalleled and perfect shepherding of Jesus Christ. The hireling flees "because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep," but Jesus, the Good Shepherd, unequivocally declares, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). This is the ultimate fulfillment: where human leaders, driven by self-interest, abandon their charge, Christ demonstrates infinite, divine love by willingly offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for His flock. His death on the cross was not a flight from danger, but a courageous confrontation of sin and death, proving that He truly "careth" for His sheep with an everlasting love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the one who knows His sheep by name and leads them to eternal life, ensuring that "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, the hireling's failure foregrounds Christ's perfect, unwavering, and eternally secure care, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a faithful shepherd for God's people ([Ezekiel 34:23-24](/ezekiel/34-23-24 "Ezekiel 34:23-24 - David, God's Servant, as Shepherd")).

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 12:6

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Philippians 2:20

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Acts 18:17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.