John 10:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

No man {G3762} taketh {G142} it {G846} from {G575} me {G1700}, but {G235} I {G1473} lay {G5087} it {G846} down {G5087} of {G575} myself {G1683}. I have {G2192} power {G1849} to lay {G5087} it {G846} down {G5087}, and {G2532} I have {G2192} power {G1849} to take {G2983} it {G846} again {G3825}. This {G5026} commandment {G1785} have I received {G2983} of {G3844} my {G3450} Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one takes it away from me; on the contrary, I lay it down of my own free will. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again. This is what my Father commanded me to do.”

Berean Standard Bible

No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”

American Standard Version

No one taketh it away 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 received I from my Father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:18 is a profound declaration by Jesus, asserting His absolute sovereignty over His own life and death. He emphatically states that His impending sacrifice is not coerced by any human force but is a deliberate, voluntary act of self-surrender. Furthermore, He reveals His unique divine authority to both lay down His life and take it up again through resurrection, all in perfect obedience to a specific command received from God the Father. This verse encapsulates the core of Christ's redemptive work, highlighting His divine power, purposeful sacrifice, and filial submission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). Preceding this statement, Jesus has already identified Himself as the "Good Shepherd" who "lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). He contrasts His self-sacrificial love with the mercenary nature of hired hands who abandon the flock when danger arises ([John 10:12-13](/john/10-12-13 "John 10:12-13 - The Hired Hand vs. The Good Shepherd")). The declaration in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Sovereignty Over His Life") not only reiterates His willingness to die but crucially clarifies the *nature* of that death: it is not a passive victimhood but an active, authoritative, and divinely sanctioned act. This statement directly addresses the growing tension and opposition from the Jewish leaders, who consistently questioned His authority and identity, framing His death as a consequence of their actions rather than His sovereign will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a god or hero voluntarily sacrificing himself for others was not entirely alien, but Jesus' claim goes far beyond typical human heroism. His assertion of power over His own life and death, particularly the ability to "take it again," would have been astounding and blasphemous to many Jewish listeners, as only God possessed such ultimate authority. The backdrop of this discourse is the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), mentioned in [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Feast of Dedication"), a celebration of God's deliverance of Israel from oppression. Against this backdrop of nationalistic hopes for a conquering Messiah, Jesus presents a different kind of Messiah – one whose victory comes through voluntary sacrifice and resurrection, fulfilling a divine "commandment" rather than a political agenda. This challenged prevailing messianic expectations and underscored the unique nature of His divine mission.

* **Key Themes:** [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Sovereignty Over His Life") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **divine sovereignty and authority**, particularly over life and death, reinforcing His claims to deity that permeate the Gospel (e.g., "I AM" statements like [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Pre-existence")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **voluntary and purposeful nature of His sacrifice**, refuting any notion that His death was a tragic accident or a forced outcome. This aligns with the Gospel's portrayal of Jesus as fully in control of His destiny, even as He moves towards the cross (e.g., [John 19:11](/john/19-11 "John 19:11 - Pilate's Limited Authority")). Thirdly, the verse underscores Jesus' **perfect obedience to the Father's will**, a consistent theme throughout John (e.g., [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will"), [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Will")). This obedience is not passive submission but an active, willing alignment with the divine plan for redemption, demonstrating the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taketh (Greek, _aírō_):** This verb, G142, means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to remove." In this context, it conveys the idea of seizing or forcibly taking something from someone. Jesus' use of "No man taketh it from me" emphatically denies any external power or coercion over His life, asserting that His death will not be the result of human capture or execution against His will, but rather His own deliberate act.
* **lay it down (Greek, _títhēmi_):** G5087 signifies "to place," "to put," or "to set." Unlike _aírō_, which implies forceful removal, _títhēmi_ denotes a voluntary, intentional act of placing something. Jesus' statement "but I lay it down of myself" directly contrasts with the idea of His life being taken. It highlights His active agency and self-determination in surrendering His life, emphasizing that His death is a purposeful, willed offering rather than a passive event.
* **power (Greek, _exousía_):** G1849 is a crucial term, denoting "privilege," "authority," "capacity," "competency," "freedom," or "mastery." It refers to a legitimate right or inherent authority, distinct from mere physical strength (_dynamis_). When Jesus declares, "I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again," He asserts an intrinsic, divine right and authority over His own life and death. This is not a delegated power but an inherent attribute of His divine nature, demonstrating His unique control over the most fundamental aspects of existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No man taketh it from me,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' absolute sovereignty. The use of "no man" (G3762, _oudeís_) is an emphatic negation, asserting that no human being, no authority, and no circumstance has the power to forcibly remove His life from Him. His death will not be a defeat at the hands of His enemies but a deliberate act of His own will.
* **"but I lay it down of myself."**: This clause presents a stark contrast ("but," G235, _allá_) to the preceding one, immediately clarifying the nature of His death. The phrase "of myself" (G1683, _emautoû_) underscores the voluntary and self-initiated nature of His sacrifice. Jesus is not a victim; He is the active agent in His own death, choosing to surrender His life according to His divine purpose.
* **"I have power to lay it down,"**: Here, Jesus introduces the concept of "power" (G1849, _exousía_), emphasizing His inherent authority and right to perform this act. This is not merely a willingness but a divine capacity. He possesses the legitimate authority to determine the moment and manner of His death, reinforcing the purposeful nature of His sacrifice.
* **"and I have power to take it again."**: This is a staggering claim, pointing directly to Jesus' deity and His unique ability to resurrect Himself. The phrase "take it again" (G2983, _lambánō_ for "take" and G3825, _pálin_ for "again") signifies a reversal and restoration of life by His own authority. This declaration foreshadows His resurrection, demonstrating His ultimate victory over death and His inherent divine control over life itself.
* **"This commandment have I received of my Father."**: The verse concludes by anchoring Jesus' sovereign act within the context of His perfect obedience to God the Father. His voluntary sacrifice and resurrection are not independent actions but are in complete alignment with the divine will. The "commandment" (G1785, _entolḗ_) implies a specific, authoritative directive, highlighting the unity of purpose and action within the Trinity in the plan of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:18 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, immediately evident in the juxtaposition of "No man taketh it from me" and "but I lay it down of myself." This antithesis powerfully highlights Jesus' active agency versus passive victimhood, emphasizing the voluntary nature of His sacrifice. **Parallelism** is also employed, particularly in "I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again," which uses a similar grammatical structure to underscore the equal and inherent authority Jesus possesses over both aspects of His destiny. The repetition of "power" creates **Emphasis**, drawing the listener's attention to the extraordinary claim of divine authority. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a profound **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, revealing His pre-knowledge and control over these pivotal events. The declaration also contains an element of **Hyperbole** in "No man taketh it from me," an absolute statement that underlines the ultimate futility of human attempts to thwart God's sovereign plan, even as they participate in its unfolding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:18 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christ's atoning work and His divine person. It unequivocally establishes that Jesus' death was not a tragic accident or a forced martyrdom, but a deliberate, sovereign act of self-giving love, undertaken with full authority and in perfect obedience to the Father's will. This voluntary surrender of life, coupled with the power to reclaim it, underscores His unique status as both fully human and fully divine. It affirms the efficacy of His sacrifice, as it was a willed offering, and provides the ultimate assurance of His victory over death, foundational to Christian hope. This verse speaks to the intentionality of redemption, revealing a God who orchestrates salvation through the willing sacrifice of His Son.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Victory Over Death")
* [Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Christ Learned Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:18 offers profound comfort, security, and a model for discipleship. For believers, this verse provides immense assurance regarding the security of their salvation. Jesus' death was not a defeat but a purposeful, sovereign act of atonement, ensuring its efficacy and sufficiency for our redemption. We can trust in a Savior who willingly laid down His life for us, not because He was compelled, but because of His infinite love and divine purpose. This also affirms His deity and ultimate authority, providing a solid foundation for our trust in His ability to save, sustain, and protect His followers through all of life's challenges. For those facing trials, suffering, or the inevitability of death, this verse reminds us that Christ's power extends even over death itself, offering a living hope in resurrection and eternal life. Furthermore, Jesus' voluntary submission to the Father's will serves as a powerful example of radical obedience for believers to emulate in their own lives, encouraging us to align our wills with God's perfect plan, even when it calls for sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration of His sovereignty over His own life and death impact your understanding of His sacrifice on the cross?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus' death was a voluntary act, rather than a forced one, deepen your trust in Him?**
* **How can Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father's "commandment" inspire your own walk of faith and submission to God's will?**
* **What comfort and hope does Jesus' power to "take it again" (resurrect Himself) offer you in the face of life's challenges or the fear of death?**

### FAQ
**What does "No man taketh it from me" mean in the context of Jesus' crucifixion?**

Answer: This phrase means that Jesus' death was not the result of human power or coercion, despite the fact that He was arrested, tried, and crucified by human hands. It emphasizes that no one could have taken His life from Him against His will. His death was not a defeat imposed by His enemies but a deliberate, voluntary act of self-sacrifice, undertaken according to His own divine authority and purpose. Even as He allowed Himself to be arrested and crucified, He remained sovereign over the process, choosing to lay down His life.

**How does Jesus having "power to lay it down, and... power to take it again" demonstrate His deity?**

Answer: This statement is a profound assertion of Jesus' divine nature. No mere human being possesses the inherent "power" (Greek: *exousía*, meaning authority or right) to voluntarily surrender their life and, even more remarkably, to resurrect themselves. This unique capability belongs solely to God. By claiming this power, Jesus reveals His intrinsic control over life and death, demonstrating that He is not only the Son of God but God Himself, possessing ultimate authority over all creation, including His own existence. It foreshadows His glorious resurrection, which validates His claims and proves His divine identity.

**What is the "commandment" Jesus received from His Father?**

Answer: The "commandment" (Greek: *entolḗ*) refers to the divine directive or instruction Jesus received from God the Father regarding His mission. This commandment was for Him to lay down His life for the redemption of humanity and to take it up again through resurrection. It signifies the perfect unity of will and purpose between the Father and the Son in the plan of salvation. Jesus' entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was an act of perfect obedience to this divine mandate, demonstrating His complete alignment with the Father's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:18 stands as a pivotal declaration of Christ's unique identity and the very nature of His redemptive work. It reveals that the cross was not a tragic accident but the culmination of a divine, sovereign plan, executed by the Son in perfect obedience to the Father. Jesus' assertion of having "power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again" is the bedrock of the Christian faith, demonstrating His inherent deity and His ultimate victory over sin and death. This voluntary sacrifice, made possible by His divine authority, is the very act by which atonement is achieved, as He, the [Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His subsequent resurrection, also by His own power, is the triumphant validation of His claims and the guarantee of new life for all who believe, as seen in the apostolic preaching that [God raised Him from the dead](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead"). Because He willingly surrendered His life and victoriously reclaimed it, He is now the [Lord of both the living and the dead](/romans/14-9 "Romans 14:9 - Christ is Lord of Living and Dead"), holding the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, John 10:18 is not merely a statement about Jesus' death, but a profound revelation of His divine person, His purposeful mission, and the ultimate source of our salvation in His sovereign, self-willed, and victorious sacrifice.

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

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.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

John 2:19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

John 2:21

But he spake of the temple of his body.

John 10:17

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

John 14:31

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.