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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

John 10:18 is a pivotal statement by Jesus, revealing the profound nature of His impending death and resurrection. It encapsulates His divine sovereignty, voluntary sacrifice, and perfect obedience to God the Father.

Context

This verse concludes a significant portion of Jesus' discourse where He identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. In the preceding verses (John 10:11, 15), Jesus declares His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. This declaration comes amidst growing tension with the Jewish leaders, who questioned His authority and identity. His statement in John 10:18 directly addresses the nature of His death, clarifying that it would not be a forced act but a deliberate, self-willed sacrifice, distinguishing Him from any mere mortal or false Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Sovereignty and Voluntariness of Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus explicitly states, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." This powerfully refutes any notion that His death was forced upon Him by human enemies or circumstances. Instead, it was a deliberate, self-initiated act of love and obedience. His sacrifice was not a tragic defeat but the ultimate act of divine power and purpose, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
  • Divine Authority and Power over Life and Death: The declaration, "I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again," highlights Jesus' unique divine authority. He possessed the inherent ability not only to surrender His life but also to resurrect Himself. This points directly to His deity and His ultimate victory over death, a truth prophesied by Jesus Himself, as seen in His statement about rebuilding the temple in three days.
  • Obedience to the Father's Will: Jesus concludes by affirming, "This commandment have I received of my Father." This crucial phrase underscores that His voluntary sacrifice and subsequent resurrection are not independent acts but are perfectly aligned with the eternal plan and will of God the Father. It demonstrates Jesus' perfect obedience, a theme found throughout the Gospels, such as in John 6:38, where He states He came to do the Father's will.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "power" in this verse is exousia (ἐξουσία). This term signifies inherent authority, legitimate right, and freedom to act, rather than mere strength or ability (dynamis). Jesus' "power" is not derived or granted by others; it is intrinsic to His divine nature, giving Him the rightful prerogative to exercise control over His own life and death.

Practical Application

John 10:18 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today:

  • It underscores the security of salvation: Jesus' death was a purposeful, voluntary act of atonement, not a defeat, ensuring its efficacy and sufficiency for our redemption.
  • It affirms His deity and ultimate authority, providing a solid foundation for trust in His ability to save, sustain, and protect His followers.
  • For those facing challenges or the inevitability of death, this verse reminds us that Christ's power extends even over death itself, offering hope in resurrection and eternal life. His voluntary submission to the Father's will also serves as a powerful example of obedience for believers to emulate in their own lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 2:9 (12 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

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

  • John 2:21 (11 votes)

    But he spake of the temple of his body.

  • John 10:17 (11 votes)

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

  • John 14:31 (10 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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