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.

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, He that entereth {G1525} not {G3361} by {G1223} the door {G2374} into {G1519} the sheepfold {G4263}{G833}, but {G235} climbeth up {G305} some other way {G237}, the same {G1565} is {G2076} a thief {G2812} and {G2532} a robber {G3027}.

“Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.

“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.

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

Commentary

John 10:1 opens a profound discourse by Jesus, often referred to as the "Good Shepherd" discourse. This verse serves as a crucial introduction, setting the stage for understanding true spiritual leadership and the nature of salvation.

Context

This passage immediately follows Jesus' healing of the man born blind in John chapter 9, where the Pharisees challenged His authority and expelled the healed man from the synagogue. Jesus' parable here directly addresses the spiritual leadership of Israel, implying that many of the religious leaders of His day were not true shepherds but rather "thieves and robbers" who did not genuinely care for God's flock.

In ancient Israel, a sheepfold was typically an enclosure, often with stone walls, where sheep were gathered for protection at night. It had one entrance, guarded by a porter or the shepherd himself, ensuring the sheep's safety from predators and thieves.

Key Themes

  • Legitimate Authority and Entry: Jesus emphasizes that authentic access to God's flock, representing His people, must be through the proper, authorized means. Anyone attempting to gain influence or control over God's people by bypassing this legitimate "door" is acting unlawfully.
  • Identification of False Leaders: The imagery of "climbing up some other way" vividly portrays those who seek to lead or exploit God's people without divine commission or genuine care. Such individuals are characterized as having destructive intentions, akin to a "thief and a robber."
  • Protection of the Flock: The sheepfold symbolizes the security and community of God's people. True shepherds protect the flock, while those who enter illegitimately pose a threat to their well-being and spiritual safety.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Verily, verily" translates the Greek amen, amen. This double "Amen" is characteristic of Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of John, serving as a solemn declaration of truth, emphasizing the absolute certainty and importance of what He is about to say. It demands the listener's full attention to a profound spiritual reality.

Related Scriptures

This verse lays the groundwork for Jesus' self-identification as the true "door" of the sheep in John 10:7 and John 10:9. He contrasts His own purpose with that of the "thief and a robber" who comes only to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, whereas He came that they might have life more abundantly.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 10:1 serves as a vital discernment tool. It prompts us to critically evaluate spiritual leaders and teachings. Are they genuinely entering through Christ, the true "Door," and demonstrating genuine care for the flock, or are they seeking personal gain, power, or influence by "climbing up some other way"? This verse reinforces the truth that salvation and true spiritual access are found only through Jesus Christ, the one legitimate entrance into God's family and kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Matthew 7:15 (23 votes)

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • Romans 16:18 (17 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • John 10:8 (17 votes)

    All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

  • John 10:10 (17 votes)

    The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

  • 1 John 4:1 (16 votes)

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Hebrews 5:4 (12 votes)

    And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron.

  • 1 Peter 1:10 (7 votes)

    ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: