John 10:17

KJV

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G5124}{G1223} doth {G25} my Father {G3962} love {G25} me {G3165}, because {G3754} I {G1473} lay down {G5087} my {G3450} life {G5590}, that {G2443} I might take {G2983} it {G846} again {G3825}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“This is why the Father loves me: because I lay down my life — in order to take it up again!

Berean Standard Bible

The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.

American Standard Version

Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:17 is a profound declaration by Jesus, revealing the deep, reciprocal love between Himself and the Father, which is perfectly expressed through His willing and purposeful act of laying down His life, not as a victim, but as one possessing inherent divine authority to reclaim it. This verse underscores the voluntary nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice and His unique power over life and death, establishing the foundation for His triumphant resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). It immediately follows His assertion in [John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - Jesus Lays Down His Life for the Sheep") that He "lays down His life for the sheep." The statement in [John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") provides the divine motivation and authority behind this sacrificial act. It also sets the stage for [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life"), where Jesus reiterates His unique power to both lay down His life and take it up again, explicitly stating that this authority was received from the Father. The entire passage emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, His divine agency, and the voluntary, purposeful nature of His impending death and resurrection, distinguishing Him from mere hired hands or thieves.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivers this discourse during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem, as noted in [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication"). This feast celebrated the rededication of the Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a time of nationalistic fervor and messianic expectation. Jesus' use of the shepherd imagery would have resonated deeply with His Jewish audience, as shepherds were common figures in ancient Israel, and God Himself was often depicted as the Shepherd of His people (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalm/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Shepherd of Israel")). By declaring Himself the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life, Jesus was making a radical claim to divine authority and messianic identity, challenging the religious leaders who, in His view, were failing to truly shepherd God's flock. His assertion of power over life and death would have been understood as a claim to deity, which often provoked accusations of blasphemy from His opponents.

* **Key Themes:** [John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Love and Unity within the Trinity**. The Father's love for the Son is presented as a direct consequence of the Son's perfect obedience and willingness to fulfill the redemptive plan. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Voluntary Nature of Jesus' Sacrifice**. His death was not a forced event but a deliberate, intentional act, underscoring His sovereignty even in His suffering. This theme is crucial for understanding the efficacy and meaning of the atonement. Thirdly, it reveals Jesus' **Inherent Power and Authority over Life and Death**. The ability to "take it again" points to His divine nature and foreshadows the resurrection as a triumphant act of His own power, not merely a passive event bestowed upon Him. This theme is further developed in other passages, such as Jesus' declaration in [John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus' Prophecy of His Resurrection") that He would raise the temple of His body in three days.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. In this context, it describes the profound affection and approval of the Father for the Son. The Father's love for Jesus is not merely emotional but is expressed in His affirmation of Jesus' obedient and redemptive mission, particularly His willingness to lay down His life. This is the highest form of divine love, demonstrating perfect unity of will and purpose between the Father and the Son in the plan of salvation.
* **lay down (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb means "to place, to put, to set." Its use here is crucial because it conveys intentionality and active agency. Jesus does not say His life is "taken" from Him, but that He "lays it down." This emphasizes that His death was not a passive event or a defeat imposed upon Him, but a deliberate, sovereign act of self-sacrifice. It highlights His complete control and willing participation in the divine plan, underscoring the voluntary nature of His atoning work.
* **take (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take, to receive, to grasp." In the context of "take it again," it signifies Jesus' active and inherent power to reclaim His life. It's not merely that He will be raised by the Father (which is also true, as seen in other New Testament passages), but that He possesses the intrinsic divine authority to overcome death and restore His own life. This highlights His unique identity as the Son of God, who has power over life itself, validating His claims and demonstrating the triumph of His resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore doth my Father love me":** This clause establishes a profound connection between the Father's love for Jesus and Jesus' specific action. The "therefore" (G5124, G1223) indicates a causal relationship. The Father's love for the Son is not conditional in the sense of being earned, but it is deeply affirmed and expressed through the Son's perfect obedience and willingness to fulfill the Father's will, especially concerning the redemptive plan. This reveals the perfect unity and mutual delight within the Godhead.
* **"because I lay down my life":** This explains the specific reason for the Father's expressed love and affirmation. Jesus' act of "laying down" (G5087) His "life" (G5590, referring to His physical existence and soul) is presented as a voluntary, intentional, and obedient act. This is the ultimate expression of His love for the Father and for humanity, a sacrifice that perfectly aligns with the Father's redemptive purpose. It underscores the active agency of Jesus in His own crucifixion, portraying Him not as a helpless victim but as a sovereign participant.
* **"that I might take it again.":** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and outcome of Jesus' voluntary sacrifice. The "that" (G2443) indicates divine purpose. Jesus lays down His life with the express intention and inherent power to "take it again" (G2983, G3825). This is a direct assertion of His divine authority over death and His capacity for self-resurrection. It foreshadows the resurrection as a triumphant act, demonstrating His victory over sin and death and validating His claims as the Son of God.

#### Literary Devices
[John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The primary device is **Emphasis** through direct declaration, where Jesus explicitly states the reason for the Father's love, highlighting His unique relationship and mission. There is a powerful use of **Paradox** in the idea of "laying down" one's life in order to "take it again," which defies human logic but perfectly encapsulates the divine nature of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This statement also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the crucifixion and resurrection as the climactic events of Jesus' ministry. Furthermore, the verse serves as a profound **Theological Statement**, articulating the intrinsic unity and shared purpose within the Trinity concerning the plan of salvation, where the Father's love is intimately connected to the Son's obedient and powerful act of redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christ's atonement and His divine identity. It reveals that the Father's love for the Son is inextricably linked to the Son's perfect obedience and willing participation in the plan of salvation, culminating in His self-sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. This is not a conditional love, but a love perfectly expressed and affirmed through the Son's voluntary fulfillment of the Father's redemptive will. It underscores the profound unity of purpose within the Trinity, where the Father sends, the Son obeys and sacrifices, and the Spirit empowers, all for the redemption of humanity. This voluntary act of laying down and taking up life demonstrates Jesus' unique sovereignty over death, a power that belongs to God alone, affirming His deity and the efficacy of His atoning work.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love for the World")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience unto Death")
* [Hebrews 10:9-10](/hebrews/10-9-10 "Christ's Obedient Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") offers believers immense assurance and a profound model for living. The verse reminds us that our salvation is rooted in the perfect, unified love and purpose of the Father and the Son. Jesus' death was not a forced tragedy but a deliberate, powerful act of love, ensuring that our redemption is secure because it was accomplished by a Savior who willingly conquered death. This deepens our trust in God's sovereign plan and His unwavering commitment to our salvation. Furthermore, while we cannot replicate Christ's unique atoning sacrifice, His example of voluntary obedience and self-giving love calls us to a life of surrender to God's will. It inspires us to lay down our own desires, ambitions, and even our lives (metaphorically, in terms of self-denial and service) for the sake of Christ and others, trusting that in doing so, we participate in His life and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' statement about the Father's love for Him, in the context of His sacrifice, deepen your understanding of the Trinity and God's character?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus *voluntarily* laid down His life, rather than being a passive victim, impact your faith and assurance of salvation?**
* **What does Jesus' power to "take it again" reveal about His divine nature, and how does this truth strengthen your hope in His ultimate victory?**
* **How can you, in your daily life, emulate Jesus' example of voluntarily "laying down" your own desires or comforts for the sake of God's will or the good of others?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus' statement imply the Father's love for Him is conditional upon His sacrifice?**

Answer: No, it does not imply conditional love in the sense that Jesus had to earn the Father's love. Rather, it speaks to the perfect unity and mutual delight within the Godhead. The Father's love for the Son is eternal and intrinsic. However, this verse highlights how that perfect love is *expressed* and *affirmed* through the Son's perfect obedience and willingness to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan. Jesus' voluntary sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of His alignment with the Father's will, and thus, the Father's love is perfectly manifested and delighted in that obedience. It's a love that finds its ultimate expression in shared purpose and action, not a love that is contingent upon performance.

**How can Jesus "take up" His life again if other scriptures say God the Father raised Him from the dead?**

Answer: This is not a contradiction but a profound theological truth about the Triune God. The New Testament consistently attributes the resurrection of Jesus to the Father (e.g., [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")), to the Son Himself (as here in [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")), and to the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Christ")). This demonstrates the unified action of the Godhead. Jesus, being fully God, possesses the inherent divine power to overcome death and reclaim His own life. Simultaneously, as the Son, He perfectly aligns with the Father's will and power in the resurrection. Therefore, His "taking it again" signifies His active divine agency and authority, while the Father's role emphasizes the divine initiative and validation of the Son's sacrifice. It's a testament to the seamless cooperation within the Trinity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") stands as a pivotal declaration of Christ's unique identity and the very heart of the Gospel. It reveals that Jesus' death was not a defeat but a deliberate, sovereign act, perfectly aligned with the Father's will and empowered by His own divine authority. This voluntary laying down of His life, motivated by the Father's love and His own love for humanity, is the fulfillment of countless Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant and the sacrificial Lamb (e.g., [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"), [Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Genesis 22:8 - God Will Provide the Lamb")). More profoundly, His power to "take it again" is the ultimate demonstration of His victory over sin and death, establishing Him as the resurrected Lord and the source of eternal life for all who believe. This self-resurrection is the validation of His claims to deity and the guarantee of our own future resurrection and new life in Him (as seen in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ") and [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Thus, [John 10:17](/john/10-17 "John 10:17 - Jesus' Voluntary Sacrifice and Resurrection") encapsulates the essence of Christ's redemptive work: a voluntary sacrifice for sin, empowered by divine love and authority, leading to triumphant resurrection and the promise of life for all who trust in Him.

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 10:18

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John 10:11

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

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

John 10:15

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

John 15:9

¶ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 17:4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.