John 10:10

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.

The thief {G2812} cometh {G2064} not {G3756}, but {G1508} for to {G2443} steal {G2813}, and {G2532} to kill {G2380}, and {G2532} to destroy {G622}: I {G1473} am come {G2064} that {G2443} they might have {G2192} life {G2222}, and {G2532} that they might have {G2192} it more abundantly {G4053}.

The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

Commentary

John 10:10 (KJV) presents a stark contrast between the destructive intent of an adversary and the life-giving purpose of Jesus Christ. This verse is central to understanding Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd and the nature of the spiritual battle.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse in John chapter 10, where He describes Himself as the "door of the sheep" (John 10:7) and the Good Shepherd. He differentiates Himself from "thieves and robbers" who came before Him. These "thieves" represent false spiritual leaders, those who exploit God's flock, or even the ultimate spiritual enemy, Satan, who seeks to harm humanity. In ancient Israel, shepherding was a familiar and vital profession, making Jesus' metaphor easily understood by His audience, highlighting the care and protection a true shepherd offers versus the danger posed by those who would harm the flock.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Adversary: The first part of the verse reveals the sinister agenda of the "thief" – "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." This speaks to the nature of evil and its ultimate aim to deprive, eliminate, and ruin. This adversary works to steal joy, peace, hope, and ultimately, eternal life from individuals.
  • Jesus' Life-Giving Mission: In powerful opposition, Jesus declares His purpose: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." This highlights Christ's mission to offer not merely existence, but a rich, full, and meaningful life. It's a life characterized by spiritual vitality, peace with God, and purpose found in Him.
  • Abundant Life (Zoē Perissos): The concept of "abundant life" is profound. The Greek word zoē refers to spiritual, eternal life, distinct from mere biological existence (bios). The word perissos signifies "exceeding," "superabundant," or "beyond measure." This isn't necessarily about material wealth, but about a qualitative richness of life—a life filled with divine presence, joy, purpose, and peace that transcends circumstances, even in times of trial. It is the fullness of spiritual well-being that only Christ can provide.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "life" here is zoē (ζωή), which often denotes spiritual, eternal life, rather than just physical existence. This is the life that God possesses and imparts. The phrase "more abundantly" comes from the Greek perissos (περισσός), meaning "exceeding," "superabundant," or "beyond what is necessary." It emphasizes the richness, fullness, and overflowing quality of the life Jesus offers, contrasting sharply with the emptiness and destruction brought by the thief.

Related Scriptures

  • The destructive nature of the "thief" aligns with descriptions of the devil, who is portrayed as a "murderer from the beginning" in John 8:44 and as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour in 1 Peter 5:8.
  • Jesus' promise of life echoes His declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The gift of this life is also central to the famous verse John 3:16.

Practical Application

John 10:10 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It calls us to discern between influences that seek to diminish or destroy our spiritual well-being and the true source of life in Jesus Christ. To experience the abundant life Jesus promises, we must:

  • Guard our hearts and minds: Be aware of the "thief's" strategies, which can manifest as temptations, deceit, or false teachings.
  • Draw near to Christ: Actively seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, the source of all true life.
  • Embrace spiritual richness: Understand that abundant life is not defined by worldly possessions or status, but by inner peace, joy, purpose, and a vibrant relationship with God, even amidst life's challenges. It's a life lived in alignment with God's will and filled with His Spirit.

This verse offers immense hope and a clear choice: destruction from the adversary or abundant, eternal life through Christ.

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

  • Luke 19:10 (176 votes)

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

  • John 6:51 (122 votes)

    I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

  • John 12:47 (115 votes)

    And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

  • John 6:33 (102 votes)

    For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

  • John 3:17 (101 votes)

    For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

  • 1 Timothy 1:15 (69 votes)

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • John 10:1 (67 votes)

    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.