John 10:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} am {G1510} the good {G2570} shepherd {G4166}, and {G2532} know {G1097} my {G1699} sheep, and {G2532} am known {G1097} of {G5259} mine {G1699}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me —

Berean Standard Bible

I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,

American Standard Version

I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:14 is a profound declaration by Jesus, affirming His identity as the "Good Shepherd" and emphasizing the intimate, mutual, and experiential knowledge that exists between Him and His followers. This verse encapsulates the essence of His relationship with His "sheep," highlighting His divine ownership, protective care, and the deep, personal bond that characterizes true discipleship, setting Him apart from all other leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central declaration within Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd, which begins in [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10 - The Parable of the Sheepfold") and continues through [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down His Life"). It directly follows Jesus' initial assertion in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. The immediate preceding verses ([John 10:12-13](/john/10-12-13 "John 10:12-13 - The Hired Hand")) present a stark contrast between the Good Shepherd's sacrificial care and the self-serving indifference of a "hired hand" who abandons the flock in the face of danger. This discourse itself builds upon the events of [John 9](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind"), where Jesus healed a man born blind, and the religious authorities (Pharisees) demonstrated their spiritual blindness and rejected both Jesus and the healed man, effectively acting as "strangers" or "thieves and robbers" ([John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - Thieves and Robbers")) rather than true shepherds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the shepherd and his flock was deeply familiar and resonant in ancient Israel. Shepherding was a common and vital occupation, and the people understood the profound bond and responsibility a shepherd had for his sheep, often risking his own life to protect them from predators or thieves. Furthermore, the Old Testament frequently portrays God Himself as the Shepherd of Israel, caring for His people, leading them, and protecting them (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God's Tender Care"), [Ezekiel 34](/ekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God Against False Shepherds")). Kings and leaders were also often referred to as shepherds. By declaring Himself the "Good Shepherd," Jesus was not only using a relatable metaphor but also making a profound theological claim, identifying Himself with Yahweh, the true Shepherd of Israel, and implicitly critiquing the current religious leaders who had failed to shepherd God's flock faithfully.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:14 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Divine Identity and Authority**, particularly as the promised Messiah and the embodiment of God's redemptive care. Secondly, it highlights the **Intimate and Personal Relationship** between Jesus and His followers, characterized by mutual knowledge and recognition, which is a hallmark of true discipleship. This contrasts sharply with the impersonal, transactional, or exploitative relationships offered by false leaders. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Security and Protection** found in Christ, as the Good Shepherd actively knows, guards, and guides His sheep, ensuring their safety and eternal well-being, a concept further developed in [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Eternal Security in Christ"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**, as true sheep are those who hear and respond to the Shepherd's voice ([John 10:3-4](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Sheep Follow the Shepherd")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This word signifies more than just "morally good"; it implies that which is intrinsically beautiful, excellent, noble, and fitting for its purpose. When Jesus calls Himself the "good" shepherd, it conveys His inherent moral perfection, His suitability for the role, and the admirable quality of His care, distinguishing Him from any other shepherd or leader. It's about His intrinsic worth and the excellence of His character and actions.
* **shepherd (Greek, _poimḗn'_):** This term refers to one who tends, feeds, guides, and protects sheep. In a figurative sense, it denotes a spiritual leader, a pastor, or one who cares for a flock of people. By using this term, Jesus evokes the rich Old Testament imagery of God as the Shepherd of Israel, thereby asserting His divine role as the ultimate caregiver and protector of His people.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This word denotes a deep, personal, experiential, and intimate knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies a relationship built on interaction, understanding, and shared experience. When Jesus says He "knows" His sheep, it means He has a profound, relational understanding of each individual, their needs, their struggles, and their very being. When the sheep "know" Him, it signifies their recognition of His voice, His authority, and their personal relationship with Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am the good shepherd,"**: This is a powerful "I AM" statement, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name, I AM"). Jesus unequivocally declares His identity, not merely as *a* shepherd, but *the* uniquely "good" shepherd, implying His perfection, competence, and sacrificial love that sets Him apart from all others.
* **"and know my sheep,"**: This clause emphasizes Jesus' intimate, personal, and comprehensive knowledge of each individual who belongs to Him. It's not a superficial acquaintance but a deep, relational understanding (as conveyed by _ginṓskō_). He knows their hearts, their needs, their strengths, and their weaknesses, demonstrating His perfect understanding and care. The possessive "my" underscores His divine ownership and rightful claim over them.
* **"and am known of mine."**: This reciprocal clause highlights the mutual nature of the relationship. Just as Jesus intimately knows His sheep, His sheep also intimately know Him. This "knowing" on the part of the sheep implies recognizing His voice, trusting His leading, and having a personal, experiential relationship with Him that results in obedience and faithful following. It signifies a bond of mutual recognition and affection.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:14 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where Jesus identifies Himself as the "good shepherd," and His followers as "sheep." This extended metaphor draws upon the well-understood relationship between a shepherd and his flock in ancient agrarian society, conveying themes of leadership, provision, protection, and intimate care. Closely related is **Imagery**, which paints a vivid picture of a pastoral scene, evoking feelings of security, belonging, and guidance. The phrase "know my sheep, and am known of mine" employs **Reciprocity**, emphasizing the two-way nature of the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. Furthermore, the declaration "I am the good shepherd" is an instance of **Divine Self-Identification**, aligning Jesus with the "I AM" statements of God in the Old Testament, thereby asserting His divine authority and nature. This verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, building on the preceding verses that distinguish Jesus, the Good Shepherd, from the "hired hand" and "thieves and robbers," highlighting the qualitative difference in their care and motives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:14 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the believer's relationship with Christ. It reveals that salvation is not merely an intellectual assent to facts, but an entry into a living, dynamic, and profoundly personal relationship with the divine Shepherd. This mutual knowledge signifies intimacy, trust, and security. Jesus' active "knowing" of His sheep assures believers of His constant, personal attention and providential care, while the sheep's "knowing" of Him implies a responsive faith, an obedient ear to His voice, and a deep, experiential understanding of His character and will. This relationship is the source of spiritual life, guidance, and ultimate protection, grounding believers in the certainty of His unwavering love and sovereignty.

* [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")
* [1 Corinthians 8:3](/1-corinthians/8-3 "1 Corinthians 8:3 - If Anyone Loves God, He is Known by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:14 offers profound comfort and a clear call to deeper relationship for every believer. In a world that often feels impersonal, chaotic, and isolating, the assurance that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us individually and intimately is a source of immense peace and security. He knows our deepest longings, our hidden struggles, our unique gifts, and our specific paths. This knowledge is not merely observational; it is active and caring, leading to His perfect provision and protection. Our response is to cultivate our "knowing" of Him – not just intellectually, but experientially. This involves intentionally listening for His voice through His Word, engaging in consistent prayer, and actively seeking His will in our daily lives. As we grow in this mutual relationship, we develop a spiritual discernment that allows us to distinguish His truth from the many competing voices in the world, enabling us to follow Him faithfully through life's challenges, confident in His unwavering guidance and eternal care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of Jesus intimately "knowing" you personally impact your sense of security and worth?**
* **In what practical ways can you deepen your "knowing" of Jesus on a daily basis?**
* **What are some "other voices" in your life that compete with the Shepherd's voice, and how can you better discern His leading?**
* **How does the Good Shepherd's knowledge of you empower you to face fears or uncertainties?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Jesus "knows" His sheep?**

Answer: When Jesus says He "knows" His sheep in [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep"), the Greek word used is _ginṓskō_, which signifies a deep, personal, experiential, and intimate knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance or factual information. It implies a relational understanding that comes from direct interaction and a profound bond. For Jesus to know His sheep means He has a complete and loving understanding of each individual believer – their character, their needs, their history, their struggles, and their future. This knowledge is active and caring, forming the basis for His perfect guidance, provision, and protection over them, much like a devoted shepherd knows every detail about each sheep in his flock. It assures believers that they are seen, understood, and cherished by their Savior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the divine Shepherd promised throughout the Old Testament. While figures like David and Moses served as shepherds of God's people, they were but shadows pointing to the true and perfect Shepherd. Jesus' declaration, "I am the good shepherd," directly fulfills prophecies like [Ezekiel 34:23](/ezekiel/34-23 "Ezekiel 34:23 - God Will Appoint One Shepherd, David") and [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - God Tends His Flock Like a Shepherd"), where God Himself promises to shepherd His flock. Unlike the false shepherds of Israel who scattered and exploited the sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), demonstrating the supreme act of sacrificial love that no human shepherd could ever offer. His knowledge of His sheep is not merely human insight but divine omniscience, ensuring that none are lost from His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Through His atoning death and resurrection, Jesus gathers His scattered sheep, bringing them into one fold ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")), establishing a new covenant relationship where His followers intimately know Him and are eternally known by Him, securing their salvation and eternal life ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). He is the Chief Shepherd ([1_peter/5-4](/1-peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd Will Appear")), the Great Shepherd ([hebrews/13-20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd of the Sheep")), who perfectly fulfills God's promise to care for His people unto eternity.

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 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

John 10:11

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

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Psalms 1:6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.