John 10:9

KJV

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} am {G1510} the door {G2374}: by {G1223} me {G1700} if {G1437} any man {G5100} enter in {G1525}, he shall be saved {G4982}, and {G2532} shall go in {G1525} and {G2532} out {G1831}, and {G2532} find {G2147} pasture {G3542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture.

Berean Standard Bible

I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.

American Standard Version

I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 10:9, Jesus profoundly declares, "I am the door." This powerful metaphor reveals His exclusive identity as the sole means of salvation and entry into God's spiritual fold. Through Him, believers are promised not only deliverance from sin and judgment but also a life of secure freedom, constant divine provision, and abundant spiritual nourishment, symbolized by the ability to "go in and out, and find pasture." This verse encapsulates the security, liberty, and sustenance found uniquely in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 10:9 is an integral part of Jesus' extended "Good Shepherd" discourse, which begins in [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10:1 - The Parable of the Sheepfold"). Jesus initiates this teaching by contrasting Himself with "thieves and robbers" who try to enter the sheepfold by illegitimate means. He first introduces the "door" metaphor in [John 10:7](/john/10-7 "John 10:7 - Jesus is the Door of the Sheep"), stating, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep." Verse 9 then expands on this declaration, explaining the profound benefits and implications for those who enter through Him. The discourse continues to elaborate on Jesus' identity as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, leads them, and ultimately lays down His life for them ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). This specific verse, therefore, serves as a crucial explanation of the function and benefits of Jesus' role as the exclusive access point to salvation and abundant life within His care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of sheep, shepherds, and sheepfolds was deeply familiar to Jesus' audience in ancient Israel. Sheepfolds were common enclosures, often stone-walled structures, used to protect sheep at night from predators and thieves. They typically had only one entrance, which a shepherd might even sleep across to serve as a living "door," ensuring no one entered or exited without his knowledge. The act of "going in and out" was essential for the sheep's survival; it meant moving from the security of the fold to the open pastures for feeding and then returning to safety. This daily rhythm of protection and provision was a fundamental aspect of pastoral life. Jesus' use of this imagery would have immediately resonated, conveying His role as the ultimate protector and provider for His followers, offering both security within His fold and the freedom to find life-sustaining nourishment under His watchful eye.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Exclusive Identity and Authority** as part of His "I AM" declarations, asserting His unique divine claim and role as the sole mediator between God and humanity. Just as He declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")," so too is He the only "door" to salvation. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Salvation and Eternal Life**, emphasizing that entrance through Jesus leads to being "saved," signifying deliverance from sin, judgment, and spiritual death, and the reception of new, abundant life in Him. This aligns with the Gospel's core message of God's love and the gift of eternal life through faith in His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Lastly, it speaks to **God's Abundant Provision and Security** for His people. The promise to "go in and out, and find pasture" vividly portrays the freedom, safety, and spiritual nourishment that believers experience under the care of the Good Shepherd, echoing the themes of divine sustenance and guidance found in passages like [Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I am (Greek, _egō eimí_):** This phrase, a direct translation of the Greek "Egō eimí" (G1473 and G1510), is one of Jesus' profound "I AM" declarations in John's Gospel. It echoes God's self-revelation to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed to Moses"). When Jesus uses this phrase, especially without a predicate (as in [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I Am")), it signifies His divine identity, pre-existence, and absolute authority. Here, it asserts His unique and essential nature as the "door."
* **door (Greek, _thýra_):** The Greek word "thýra" (G2374) refers to a literal portal or entrance, or its closure, such as a gate. In this context, it emphasizes direct, necessary, and exclusive access. Jesus is not merely *a* door, but *the* door, implying that He is the sole, legitimate, and divinely appointed means of entry into the sheepfold of God's salvation and protection.
* **saved (Greek, _sōzō_):** The verb "sōzō" (G4982) is a rich term in the New Testament. It encompasses a broad range of meanings, including to deliver, protect, preserve, heal, or make whole. In the context of salvation, it refers to deliverance from sin, judgment, spiritual death, and eternal condemnation, leading to spiritual wholeness and eternal life. It signifies a complete and comprehensive rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am the door":** This is Jesus' self-identification as the exclusive means of access. He is the sole portal through which one can enter into a right relationship with God and experience true spiritual life. This statement asserts His unique authority and indispensable role in salvation.
* **"by me if any man enter in":** This clause highlights the condition and the method of entry. Salvation is not achieved through human effort, adherence to law, or any other path, but *only* "by me" – through faith in Jesus Christ. The "if any man" indicates that this offer is open to all who choose to accept it, emphasizing personal choice and reliance on Him.
* **"he shall be saved":** This is the immediate and primary benefit of entering through Jesus. "Saved" here means deliverance from the power and penalty of sin, from spiritual death, and from eternal condemnation. It implies the reception of eternal life and reconciliation with God.
* **"and shall go in and out":** This phrase signifies freedom, security, and unhindered access. Within the sheepfold of God's care, believers are not confined but have liberty to move freely, symbolizing secure access to God's presence and the world without fear. It speaks of a life lived in safety and confidence, under the watchful eye of the Shepherd.
* **"and find pasture":** This final promise speaks to the abundant provision and spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers. "Pasture" (G3542, _nomḗ_) refers to grazing land, symbolizing the life-giving resources, spiritual sustenance, guidance, and peace that believers receive from Christ. It represents a life of satisfaction and fulfillment, where all spiritual needs are met by the Good Shepherd.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:9 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The central **Metaphor** is Jesus declaring Himself as "the door," which is not to be taken literally, but understood as a figurative representation of His function as the sole access point to salvation and God. This metaphor is deeply intertwined with **Symbolism**: the "door" symbolizes exclusivity and access; the "sheep" (implied from the broader discourse) symbolize believers; the "sheepfold" symbolizes the safety and community of God's people; and "pasture" symbolizes spiritual nourishment, provision, and abundant life. The verse also employs **Contrast**, implicitly contrasting Jesus, the true door, with the "thieves and robbers" mentioned earlier in the chapter, who attempt illegitimate entry, thereby highlighting the legitimacy and divine authority of Jesus' path.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:9 stands as a foundational statement regarding the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation and access to God. It powerfully asserts that there is no other legitimate path to spiritual life, security, or divine provision. This declaration underpins the entire Christian understanding of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. It speaks to God's sovereign plan of redemption, where He Himself provides the way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. The promise of "going in and out, and finding pasture" highlights the holistic nature of salvation, encompassing not just eternal destiny but also present freedom, security, and abundant spiritual sustenance in Christ. This verse assures believers of their secure standing and ongoing care under the Good Shepherd.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")
* [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")
* [Psalm 23:1-3](/psalms/23-1-3 "Psalm 23:1-3 - The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:9 offers profound comfort and a clear call to trust. To truly grasp Jesus as "the door" means recognizing that our salvation, security, and spiritual nourishment are found in Him alone, not in our own efforts, achievements, or any other system or philosophy. This truth liberates us from the burden of seeking alternative paths or striving to earn God's favor. When we enter through Him, we are not merely saved from something, but saved *into* something: a life of secure freedom where we can "go in and out" – experiencing both the safety of His presence and the liberty to navigate the world, knowing He provides for our every need. The "pasture" He offers is not just for our eternal future, but for our daily walk, providing spiritual sustenance, guidance, and peace in every circumstance. This verse calls us to continually abide in Him, drawing from His inexhaustible resources, and resting in the assurance that He is our faithful Shepherd and our secure access to the Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as "the door" impact my assurance of salvation and my daily walk with God?**
* **In what specific ways do I experience the "going in and out" (freedom and security) and "finding pasture" (spiritual nourishment and provision) in my life through Christ?**
* **Are there any "other ways" or false "doors" that I might be tempted to trust for security or fulfillment instead of relying solely on Jesus?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Jesus is "the door" in John 10:9?**

Answer: When Jesus declares, "[I am the door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")," He is using a powerful metaphor to convey His exclusive and indispensable role as the sole means of access to God, salvation, and true spiritual life. In the context of the sheepfold, the door was the only legitimate entry point for the sheep and the shepherd, providing security and regulated access. Similarly, Jesus is the only legitimate way to enter into a saving relationship with God the Father and to experience the benefits of His divine care and provision. This means that salvation, eternal life, and spiritual sustenance are found uniquely through faith in Him, not through any other religion, philosophy, or human effort.

**What is the significance of "going in and out, and find pasture"?**

Answer: This phrase describes the blessed experience of those who have entered through Jesus, the Door. "Going in and out" signifies freedom, security, and unhindered access. It implies that believers are safe within God's care (the "sheepfold") but also have the liberty to move freely, symbolizing a life lived without fear, with full access to God's presence and the ability to engage with the world under His protection. "And find pasture" speaks to the abundant spiritual nourishment and provision that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, supplies for His followers. Just as literal sheep need green pastures for sustenance, believers find their spiritual needs met, their souls refreshed, and their lives sustained by the life-giving truth and presence of Christ. It represents a life of divine provision, peace, and fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:9 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' entire redemptive work, establishing Him as the ultimate and singular access point to God. He is not merely a gatekeeper but the very embodiment of the way to salvation and abundant life. His incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection constitute the "door" through which humanity can enter into fellowship with a holy God. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its temple and rituals, foreshadowed this ultimate access; now, through Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying direct access to God's presence. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only *is* the door but also *leads* through it, laying down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")) to secure their entry and provide eternal pasture. He fulfills the longing for true freedom and security, offering a life that is truly life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Thus, John 10:9 points directly to Jesus as the mediator ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")), the new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access through Christ's Blood")), and the source of eternal life and sustenance for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

John 10:7

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 10:1

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Romans 5:1

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Psalms 95:7

¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,