John 10:15

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

As {G2531} the Father {G3962} knoweth {G1097} me {G3165}, even so {G2504} know {G1097} I {G2504} the Father {G3962}: and {G2532} I lay down {G5087} my {G3450} life {G5590} for {G5228} the sheep {G4263}.

just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father — and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep.

just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.

even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:15 is a powerful declaration by Jesus, deeply embedded within His discourse on being the Good Shepherd. This verse highlights two fundamental truths about Christ: His intimate relationship with God the Father and His sacrificial love for humanity.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extended metaphor of the Good Shepherd, found in John chapter 10. Jesus presents Himself as the true shepherd who cares for and protects His flock, contrasting Himself with "thieves and robbers" (false religious leaders) and "hired hands" who abandon the sheep in times of danger. The discourse likely takes place during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), a time when Jewish people celebrated God's faithfulness and protection. Jesus' words here reassure His followers of His divine authority and unwavering commitment to their salvation.

Key Themes

  • Intimate Knowledge and Divine Unity

    The first part of the verse, "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father," speaks to the profound, reciprocal knowledge and unity between Jesus and God the Father. This isn't merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential, and existential understanding that reflects their shared divine nature. It underscores Jesus' co-equality with the Father and His unique authority as the Son of God. This intimate knowledge is foundational to His ability to perfectly execute the Father's will.

  • Sacrificial Love and Atonement

    The second part, "and I lay down my life for the sheep," is a direct and voluntary declaration of Jesus' sacrificial death. As the Good Shepherd, He doesn't just lead or protect; He willingly offers His life as the ultimate act of love and atonement for His followers, His "sheep." This selfless act contrasts sharply with a hired hand who flees when danger approaches. Jesus' death was not forced but a deliberate choice to secure eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Knoweth" (γινώσκω - ginōskō): The Greek word used here implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge, not just a superficial understanding. It signifies an intimate relationship and recognition, emphasizing the profound bond between the Father and the Son.
  • "Lay down" (τίθημι - tithēmi): This verb denotes a voluntary action. Jesus explicitly states that He lays down His life, indicating His sovereignty over His own death. It was not taken from Him, but freely given, a crucial point for understanding His sacrificial work.

Related Scriptures

This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christ's nature and mission. The theme of Jesus' divine knowledge and unity with the Father is echoed in John 14:9, where Jesus states, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." His voluntary sacrifice for His sheep is further elaborated in John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The imagery of the shepherd caring for his flock is also found in Psalm 23:1, connecting Jesus to the Old Testament understanding of God's care for His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 10:15 offers profound assurance and comfort. It reminds us that we are known and loved by a Shepherd who has an intimate, divine understanding of all things, including our needs. More importantly, it highlights the immense, selfless love of Jesus, who willingly sacrificed Himself to secure our salvation. This verse invites us to trust in His perfect leadership and to rest in the confidence that our eternal well-being is guaranteed by His ultimate act of love on the cross. It encourages us to respond to such love by following Him, listening to His voice, and living lives that honor His sacrifice.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 10:11

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

  • Galatians 1:4

    Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

  • Isaiah 53:10

    ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

  • 1 John 2:2

    And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

  • 1 Peter 3:18

    ¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  • 1 Timothy 2:5

    For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
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