### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **misthōtós**, represented by `{{G3411}}`, defines a **wage-worker** or **hired servant**. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. While it can refer to a wage-worker in a general sense, its primary use in scripture is to draw a sharp contrast with a true shepherd, highlighting a character who works for pay rather than genuine care or ownership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospel of John, `{{G3411}}` is used to illustrate the character of one who is not a true **shepherd** `{{G4166}}`. This **hireling** does not own the **sheep** `{{G4263}}` and, upon seeing a **wolf** `{{G3074}}` **coming** `{{G2064}}`, **leaveth** `{{G863}}` the sheep and **fleeth** `{{G5343}}` [[John 10:12]]. The reason given for this desertion is simply **because** `{{G3754}}` he **is** `{{G2076}}` a **hireling** and does not **care** `{{G3199}}` for the sheep [[John 10:13]]. A more neutral use appears in Mark's Gospel, where James and John left their father **Zebedee** `{{G2199}}` in a **ship** `{{G4143}}` with the **hired servants** `{{G3411}}` to follow Jesus [[Mark 1:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role and character of the hireling:
* `{{G4166}}` **poimḗn** (shepherd): This term is the direct counterpart to the hireling. The hireling is defined by what he is not: the **shepherd** who has a stake in the sheep [[John 10:12]].
* `{{G5343}}` **pheúgō** (to run away, flee): This action is the hireling’s defining response to danger. He **fleeth** when the wolf comes, abandoning his post ([[John 10:12]], [[John 10:13]]).
* `{{G3199}}` **mélō** (to be of interest to, to concern): This word reveals the hireling's core motivation. He lacks genuine concern, as it is stated he **careth** not for the sheep [[John 10:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3411}}` is found in its contrast with genuine, invested leadership.
* **Conditional Commitment:** The hireling’s service is conditional, based on personal safety and wages. Unlike a shepherd, he has no sense of ownership, as the sheep are not his **own** `{{G2398}}` [[John 10:12]].
* **Failure Under Pressure:** The presence of a **wolf** `{{G3074}}` reveals the hireling's true nature. His flight results in the wolf catching and scattering `{{G4650}}` the sheep, demonstrating the destructive consequence of uninvested leadership [[John 10:12]].
* **Self-Interest vs. Care:** The defining reason for the hireling's failure is that he **is** `{{G2076}}` a hireling [[John 10:13]]. His identity is rooted in his wages, not in a relationship of care for those under his charge.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3411}}` serves as a powerful biblical illustration of unreliable and self-serving leadership. While it can simply denote a **hired servant** [[Mark 1:20]], its more significant theological use in the Gospel of John paints a picture of someone who lacks the personal investment and care of a true **shepherd** `{{G4166}}`. The hireling’s willingness to **flee** `{{G5343}}` from danger underscores the critical difference between working for wages and possessing a genuine, protective commitment.
TRV