John 10:28

KJV

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {G2504} give {G1325} unto them {G846} eternal {G166} life {G2222}; and {G2532} they shall {G622} never {G3364}{G1519}{G165} perish {G622}, neither {G2532}{G3756} shall {G726} any {G5100} man pluck {G726} them {G846} out of {G1537} my {G3450} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands.

Berean Standard Bible

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.

American Standard Version

and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 10:28, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, makes a profound declaration to His followers, assuring them of two magnificent gifts: the present possession of eternal life and an absolute, unwavering security from perishing or being snatched from His protective hand. This verse stands as a cornerstone for understanding the divine preservation of believers, emphasizing Christ's sovereign power and unshakeable commitment to those who belong to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated within Jesus' extensive discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John 10](/john/10 "The Good Shepherd"). Preceding this verse, Jesus has contrasted Himself with "thieves and robbers" (referring to false spiritual leaders) and "hirelings" (those who care for the sheep only for personal gain and abandon them in danger). He identifies His true followers as "My sheep" who "hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). The promise of eternal life and security in [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Eternal Life and Security") naturally flows from this intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep, reinforcing the unbreakable bond. The subsequent verse, [John 10:29](/john/10-29 "The Father's Greater Power"), further solidifies this security by stating that the Father, who is greater than all, also holds them, leading to Jesus' climactic declaration of unity with the Father in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "Jesus and the Father are One").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus is speaking in Jerusalem, likely during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), as indicated in [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "Feast of Dedication"). He is in the temple area, specifically Solomon's Portico ([John 10:23](/john/10-23 "Jesus in Solomon's Portico")), where He is confronted by Jews who demand to know if He is the Christ ([John 10:24](/john/10-24 "Jews Question Jesus' Identity")). The imagery of a shepherd and his sheep was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, a pastoral society where shepherds were vital. This imagery was also rich in Old Testament prophecy, where God Himself is often depicted as the Shepherd of His people ([Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "God as Shepherd"), [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "False Shepherds and the True Shepherd")). By claiming to be the Good Shepherd who gives eternal life and guarantees security, Jesus was making a profound claim to divine identity and authority, directly challenging the existing religious leadership whom He implicitly labels as "thieves and robbers" or "hirelings."
* **Key Themes:** [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") encapsulates several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores **the nature of salvation as a divine gift**, freely given by Jesus, rather than something earned by human effort. Secondly, it powerfully asserts the **absolute security and perseverance of true believers**. The promise that they "shall never perish" and cannot be "pluck[ed]...out of my hand" speaks to an irreversible, divinely maintained state of salvation, ensuring that spiritual death or ultimate loss is impossible for Christ's sheep. This theme is further amplified by the subsequent mention of the Father's hand in [John 10:29](/john/10-29 "The Father's Greater Power"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Jesus' sovereign power and authority**. His ability to grant eternal life and guarantee protection demonstrates His divine nature and omnipotence. Finally, it reinforces the **intimate and secure relationship** between Christ and His followers, portrayed through the tender and protective imagery of the Shepherd and His sheep.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325) signifies a direct, intentional act of bestowing or granting. In this context, it emphasizes that eternal life is not something earned or achieved, but a free gift from Jesus. It highlights His active role as the giver of this profound spiritual reality, underscoring the grace inherent in salvation.
* **eternal life (Greek, _aiṓnios zōḗ'_):** Composed of two words, _aiṓnios_ (G166) meaning "perpetual, everlasting" and _zōḗ_ (G2222) meaning "life" (literally or figuratively). This phrase refers to more than just unending existence; it denotes a specific quality of life—the very life of God Himself—which is full, abundant, and transcends the limitations of earthly existence. It is a present possession for the believer, beginning at the moment of faith, and extending into eternity.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb (G622) means "to destroy fully, to lose, or to perish." In the context of "they shall never perish," it refers not to annihilation, but to ultimate spiritual ruin, loss, or eternal separation from God. Jesus' emphatic negative ("never perish") assures His followers that they will not suffer this ultimate spiritual death or condemnation.
* **pluck (Greek, _harpázō'_):** This strong verb (G726) means "to seize by force, to snatch away, or to carry off." The use of this word underscores the impossibility of any external power—whether human, demonic, or circumstantial—being able to forcibly remove a believer from Jesus' protective grip. It conveys a sense of violent attempt that is utterly thwarted by Christ's superior power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I give unto them eternal life":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus as the active bestower of the most precious gift—eternal life. The "them" refers to His sheep, those who hear His voice and follow Him. This life is not merely a future hope but a present reality, a participation in God's own divine life that begins at the moment of faith.
* **"and they shall never perish":** Following the gift of eternal life, Jesus provides an absolute assurance of the believer's security. The double negative in the Greek ("ou mē") creates the strongest possible negation, emphasizing that under no circumstances will those who have received eternal life ever face ultimate spiritual destruction or eternal separation from God. Their destiny is eternally secure.
* **"neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand":** This final clause uses vivid imagery to reinforce the absolute security. The "hand" of Jesus symbolizes His power, authority, and protective care. The word "pluck" (harpázō) implies a forceful, violent attempt to seize. Jesus declares that no one—no human, no demonic force, no circumstance, nor even the believer's own weakness—possesses the power to forcibly remove them from His divine, protective grasp. This promise is further magnified by the subsequent statement that the Father also holds them, and no one can pluck them out of the Father's hand ([John 10:29](/john/10-29 "The Father's Greater Power")).

#### Literary Devices
[John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") is rich with literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Good Shepherd metaphor** that pervades [John 10](/john/10 "The Good Shepherd"). Jesus is the Shepherd, believers are His sheep, and His "hand" is a powerful **Symbol** of His protective power and authority. The imagery of being held "in my hand" conveys complete control and security, a direct contrast to the vulnerability of sheep to predators. The phrase "they shall never perish" employs **Strong Negation** (a double negative in Greek, "ou mē") to underscore the absolute certainty of the promise. This emphatic language functions almost as **Hyperbole** to stress the impossibility of loss. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** in its two negative assurances: "they shall never perish" and "neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the security offered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") is a foundational text for the doctrine of the **perseverance of the saints**, often referred to as "eternal security." It teaches that once a person is truly born again and united with Christ, their salvation is eternally secure, not dependent on their ability to maintain faith perfectly, but on God's unwavering faithfulness and power to preserve them. This security is rooted in Christ's divine authority, His unbreakable covenant with His people, and the Father's superior power. It highlights that salvation is a work of God from beginning to end, ensuring that those whom He calls, He also keeps. This divine preservation provides immense comfort and assurance, allowing believers to live with confidence in their eternal destiny, free from the paralyzing fear of losing their salvation.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Eternal Life")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Unbreakable Love")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") offers profound comfort and liberation to believers. In a world fraught with uncertainty, this verse anchors our hope in the unwavering power and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. It assures us that our salvation is not precarious, dependent on our fluctuating performance or strength, but is held firmly in the omnipotent hands of our Good Shepherd. This truth should lead to a deep sense of peace, freeing us from the anxiety of losing our spiritual standing and empowering us to live boldly for Christ. Knowing we are eternally secure enables us to face trials, temptations, and even our own failures with the assurance that God will complete the work He began in us. It cultivates a spirit of gratitude and worship, recognizing the immense, undeserved gift of eternal life and the unshakeable protection of our Savior. This security does not lead to complacency, but rather to a deeper love and commitment to the One who has secured our eternal future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of eternal life as a present possession impact your daily walk with Christ?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to rest more fully in Jesus' promise that no one can pluck you out of His hand?**
* **How does the absolute security offered in this verse motivate you to live for God, rather than leading to spiritual complacency?**
* **Considering Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd, what does this verse teach you about His character and His commitment to you personally?**

### FAQ
**Does John 10:28 mean that a true believer can never lose their salvation, regardless of their actions?**

Answer: Yes, [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security"), especially when read in conjunction with [John 10:29](/john/10-29 "The Father's Greater Power") and other New Testament passages, is a cornerstone for the doctrine of eternal security, or the perseverance of the saints. Jesus' emphatic declaration—"they shall never perish" and "neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand"—underscores that the security of a believer is based entirely on His power and the Father's power, not on human ability to maintain salvation. This does not imply a license to sin, but rather a profound assurance that God preserves those He has called. True saving faith is always accompanied by a desire for obedience and a life transformed by the Spirit, as evidenced by passages like [1 John 3:9](/1_john/3-9 "No One Born of God Sins Habitually") and [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Work Out Your Salvation"). The perseverance of the saints means that God will enable true believers to persevere in faith until the end.

**What is the difference between "eternal life" and simply living forever?**

Answer: The "eternal life" (Greek: _aiṓnios zōḗ_) Jesus speaks of in [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") is far more than mere unending existence. While it certainly includes perpetuity, its primary emphasis is on the **quality** of life. It is a spiritual life, a participation in the very life and nature of God Himself. This life is characterized by knowing God ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "Eternal Life is Knowing God")), communion with Him, and the abundant, full, and meaningful existence that flows from that relationship. It begins the moment one believes in Christ and continues into eternity, transforming one's present reality and future hope. In contrast, simply "living forever" could imply an unending existence apart from God, which the Bible describes as spiritual death or eternal separation.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of human free will and responsibility?**

Answer: [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") highlights God's sovereign power in preserving believers, but it does not negate human responsibility. The "sheep" are those who "hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). This implies an active response of faith and obedience on the part of the believer. While God's power secures salvation, believers are called to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Work Out Your Salvation")). The security of [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") provides the foundation and assurance for this diligent pursuit of holiness, knowing that our efforts are empowered and sustained by God's unwavering faithfulness. It's a divine promise that enables human perseverance, not an excuse for passivity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is not merely a good shepherd, but the **Good Shepherd** who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The eternal life He gives is a direct result of His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the penalty for sin, conquering death and opening the way to God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). His resurrection from the dead ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Jesus Resurrected for Our Justification")) demonstrates His ultimate victory over all powers that might seek to "pluck" His sheep away. Furthermore, His ongoing intercession at the right hand of the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Intercede"), [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Intercedes for Us")) ensures their continued preservation. The security promised in [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life and Security") is not an abstract theological concept but a living reality grounded in Christ's finished work, His present reign, and His future return to gather His sheep to Himself ([John 6:39-40](/john/6-39-40 "Jesus Will Raise Them Up")). He is the one who seals believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), making the promise of never perishing and never being plucked from His hand an unassailable truth rooted in His very being and redemptive mission.

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 6:39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.