John 10:29

KJV

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

My {G3450} Father {G3962}, which {G3739} gave {G1325} them me {G3427}, is {G2076} greater than {G3187} all {G3956}; and {G2532} no {G3762} man is able {G1410} to pluck {G726} them out of {G1537} my {G3450} Father's {G3962} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them from the Father’s hands.

Berean Standard Bible

My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

American Standard Version

My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:29 is a profound declaration by Jesus, emphasizing the absolute and unassailable security of His followers, whom He refers to as His "sheep." This verse grounds the promise of eternal security not merely in Jesus' own power, but ultimately in the supreme, omnipotent authority and protective hand of God the Father, asserting that no force or individual can ever separate those given to the Son from the Father's sovereign care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' "Good Shepherd" discourse, delivered during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, as recorded in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd Discourse"). Immediately preceding this statement, Jesus declares in [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Life and Security") that His sheep "shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:29 then serves to amplify and undergird this promise by elevating the source of this security to the Father. It is a logical progression, moving from the Son's protective power to the Father's overarching supremacy, setting the stage for Jesus' climactic declaration of unity with the Father in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Unity of the Father and Son"). The passage as a whole addresses the ongoing skepticism and opposition from the Jewish leaders, providing an irrefutable assurance of divine protection for those who believe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) was a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This setting is significant as it highlights Jesus' presence among His people during a time of national and religious reflection. The imagery of "sheep" and "shepherd" was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, drawing from Old Testament prophecies where God Himself is depicted as the Shepherd of His people (e.g., [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God as Shepherd")). The concept of being "in the hand" of a powerful figure was a common idiom for protection, control, and possession. Jesus' assertion of the Father's hand being "greater than all" would have been understood as a claim of ultimate, unchallengeable authority, directly challenging the prevailing human and spiritual powers of the day.
* **Key Themes:** [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd") is rich with theological themes that culminate in this verse. The primary theme is **Divine Security**, emphasizing the unshakeable safety of believers who are under the care of both the Son and the Father. This security is rooted in **God's Supreme Power and Sovereignty**, as the Father is declared "greater than all," signifying His unmatched strength and authority over all creation and all opposing forces. Another crucial theme is the **Father's Initiative in Salvation**, highlighted by the phrase "My Father, which gave them me," underscoring that believers are a divine gift from the Father to the Son. This act demonstrates the intimate and unified purpose of the Father and the Son in the plan of redemption, a unity explicitly stated in [John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - The Unity of the Father and Son"), where Jesus declares, "I and my Father are one." The passage also touches on the theme of **Eternal Life**, as the security promised implies a lasting, unending relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word (G1325) signifies to give, bestow, commit, or deliver. In this context, it emphasizes the Father's sovereign act of entrusting believers ("them") to the Son. It highlights the Father's initiative and active role in salvation, portraying believers as a precious gift from the Father to Jesus, establishing a divine relationship and covenantal bond.
* **greater than (Greek, _meízōn'_):** This term (G3187) is an irregular comparative form meaning "larger" or "greater," often used in terms of age or, as here, in terms of power, authority, or significance. When applied to the Father, it emphatically declares His supreme and unmatched power, authority, and superiority over all other entities, whether human, angelic, or demonic. There is no power or being that can stand against the Father's will or protection.
* **pluck (Greek, _harpázō'_):** This word (G726) means to seize, snatch away, or carry off by force. Its use here conveys the idea of a violent, forceful removal. The negation "no man is able to pluck" powerfully asserts the absolute impossibility of any external force or adversary forcibly removing a believer from the secure grip of the Father's hand, underscoring the invincibility of divine protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all":** This clause establishes the foundational premise of the believer's security. Jesus identifies the Father as the ultimate source of His followers, emphasizing that they are a divine gift from the Father to the Son. The declaration that the Father "is greater than all" asserts His absolute supremacy, omnipotence, and sovereignty over every conceivable power, authority, or threat in existence. This sets the stage for the unshakeable nature of the security that follows.
* **"and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.":** This second clause directly applies the Father's supreme power to the security of believers. The phrase "no man is able" (using the Greek _oudeís_ for "no one" or "nothing") emphatically denies the capacity of any entity—human or supernatural—to forcibly remove those given to Christ from the Father's protective care. The "Father's hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, symbolizing His active power, authority, and protective grip, ensuring that those held within it are eternally safe and beyond the reach of any adversary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "my Father's hand." The "hand" of God is a common biblical metaphor representing His power, protection, and active involvement in the world. It is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to make His power more comprehensible. This imagery conveys an intimate, secure, and unassailable grip. Furthermore, the declaration "is greater than all" is a form of **Hyperbole**, used for emphatic effect to underscore the Father's absolute and unparalleled supremacy. While literally true in God's omnipotence, its use here serves to powerfully convey the utter impossibility of any challenge to His authority. The entire statement functions as a powerful **Affirmation** of divine sovereignty and the believer's security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:29 is a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of eternal security, often referred to as the "perseverance of the saints" or "once saved, always saved." It asserts that the believer's salvation is not dependent on their fluctuating human strength or faithfulness, but on the invincible power and unwavering commitment of God the Father and the Son. This divine protection ensures that those whom the Father has given to the Son are eternally held secure, beyond the reach of any external force or spiritual adversary. This truth provides profound comfort and assurance, fostering a deep trust in God's faithfulness and omnipotence rather than self-reliance. It underscores the Trinitarian cooperation in salvation, where the Father gives, the Son receives and protects, and both ensure the ultimate preservation of the redeemed.

* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Inseparable Love")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness to Complete His Work")
* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Stumbling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:29 offers an anchor for the soul, particularly in moments of doubt, fear, or spiritual struggle. To truly grasp that one's salvation and spiritual well-being are not precariously balanced on human effort but are held securely in the omnipotent hand of God the Father is to experience profound peace. This truth liberates believers from the anxiety of losing their salvation and empowers them to live with confidence, not in their own strength, but in God's unshakeable faithfulness. It should deepen our trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, knowing that no trial, temptation, or adversary can ultimately pluck us from His grip. This assurance should motivate us to live lives of grateful obedience, not out of fear of condemnation, but out of love for the God who holds us so securely.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "My Father...is greater than all" impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and your personal security?**
* **In what ways does knowing that you are held in the "Father's hand" alleviate your fears or anxieties about the future?**
* **How should this profound assurance of divine protection influence your daily walk of faith and your response to spiritual attacks?**

### FAQ
**Does John 10:29 teach "eternal security" or "once saved, always saved"?**

Answer: Yes, John 10:29 is one of the foundational verses used to support the doctrine of eternal security. Jesus' declaration that "no man is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand" emphatically states the impossibility of any external force or individual separating believers from God's protective care. This security is rooted in the Father's supreme power ("greater than all") and His act of giving believers to the Son. Combined with [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life"), where Jesus states His sheep "shall never perish," the passage strongly affirms that genuine believers are eternally secure in their salvation, held by both the Son and the Father.

**What does it mean that the Father "gave them me"?**

Answer: The phrase "My Father, which gave [them] me" underscores the divine initiative and sovereign election in salvation. It signifies that those who come to Christ are first given to Him by the Father. This highlights the Father's active role in drawing people to His Son, as Jesus also states in [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him"), "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him." It emphasizes that salvation is not merely a human decision but a divine work, originating in the Father's will and purpose, and fulfilled through the Son. This act of "giving" signifies a deep, covenantal relationship and shared purpose between the Father and the Son in the redemption of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While John 10:29 explicitly highlights the Father's supreme power and protective hand, its fulfillment is profoundly Christ-centered. The "sheep" who are given by the Father are given *to Jesus*, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The security promised in this verse is not an abstract concept but is realized through the atoning work of Christ on the cross, which satisfied divine justice and reconciled believers to God ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")). Furthermore, Christ's ongoing intercession at the right hand of the Father ensures the continued preservation of His flock ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). The Father's hand, "greater than all," perfectly complements the Son's hand, ensuring that those redeemed by Christ's blood are held in an unbreakable grip of divine love and power. Thus, the Father's protective sovereignty in [John 10:29](/john/10-29 "John 10:29 - Security in the Father's Hand") is the ultimate guarantee of the salvation secured and maintained by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 6:37

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

John 17:9

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

John 14:28

¶ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

John 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 17:11

¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.