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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 10:2 But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/10-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/43_Jhn_10_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 10:2 - Jesus the Good Shepherd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/10-1.htm" title="John 10:1">◄</a> John 10:2 <a href="/john/10-3.htm" title="John 10:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But the <i>one</i> entering in by the door is <i>the</i> shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The man who goes in through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he that entereth by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he who is entering through the door is shepherd of the sheep;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But the <i>one</i> entering in by the door is <i>the</i> shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he who is entering through the door is shepherd of the sheep;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he coming in through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“He who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the flock;”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But he that enters through the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And the one coming in through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />He that entereth by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but he that enters in by the door, is the pastor of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But he that enters through the door is shepherd of the sheep.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But he that cometh in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/10-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3539" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/10.htm">Jesus the Good Shepherd</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>“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. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiserchomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">enters</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2374.htm" title="2374: thyras (N-GFS) -- (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.">gate</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4166.htm" title="4166: poimēn (N-NMS) -- A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.">the shepherd</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probatōn (N-GNP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a></span><br />My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a></span><br />The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></span><br />For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-1.htm">John 15:1-5</a></span><br />“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. / He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. / You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-34</a></span><br />When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a></span><br />“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a></span><br />Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm">1 Peter 5:4</a></span><br />And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.</p><p class="hdg">he that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-7.htm">John 10:7,9</a></b></br> Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a></b></br> Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2-7</a></b></br> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; … </p><p class="hdg">the shepherd.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11,12,14</a></b></br> I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of David. The LORD <i>is</i> my shepherd; I shall not want.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest <i>between</i> the cherubims, shine forth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/10-1.htm">Door</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Entereth</a> <a href="/luke/24-3.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/luke/22-10.htm">Enters</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/john/6-27.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Shepherd</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/10-3.htm">Door</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-19.htm">Entereth</a> <a href="/acts/3-2.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/john/10-9.htm">Enters</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/john/10-5.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-11.htm">Shepherd</a><div class="vheading2">John 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/10-1.htm">Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/10-19.htm">Diverse opinions of him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/10-23.htm">He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/10-31.htm">escapes the Jews;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/10-39.htm">and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the one who enters by the gate</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the legitimate and rightful entry of the shepherd. In the context of ancient Near Eastern shepherding practices, the gate was the proper entrance to the sheepfold, distinguishing the true shepherd from thieves and robbers who would climb over the walls. This imagery is used to contrast Jesus with false leaders. The gate symbolizes the lawful and divinely appointed way, reflecting Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah entering through the proper channels (e.g., <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>, <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>).<p><b>is the shepherd of the sheep</b><br>The shepherd is a well-known biblical metaphor for leadership and care, seen in figures like David (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a>) and in <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, where God is depicted as the shepherd. In <a href="/john/10.htm">John 10</a>, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, indicating His role as the true leader and caretaker of His people. This phrase underscores His authority and responsibility, contrasting with false shepherds who exploit the flock. The shepherd's role involves guidance, protection, and provision, reflecting Jesus' mission to lead His followers to spiritual safety and nourishment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>In this passage, Jesus is speaking and using the metaphor of a shepherd to describe His role and relationship with His followers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a></b><br>Represents Jesus, who is the rightful leader and caretaker of His people, the sheep.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep</a></b><br>Symbolizes the followers of Christ, who recognize and respond to the voice of their true shepherd.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gate.htm">Gate</a></b><br>Represents the legitimate way to enter the sheepfold, symbolizing the proper and divine authority of Jesus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the broader context as Jesus contrasts His role with false leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_as_the_true_shepherd.htm">Jesus as the True Shepherd</a></b><br>Jesus is the legitimate leader who enters by the gate, signifying His divine authority and rightful position as our shepherd.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_shepherd's_voice.htm">Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice</a></b><br>As sheep recognize their shepherd's voice, believers are called to discern and follow Jesus' teachings amidst competing voices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leaders</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders should emulate Jesus, entering through the gate and leading with integrity and care for the flock.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/security_in_the_shepherd.htm">Security in the Shepherd</a></b><br>Believers find security and guidance in Jesus, the true shepherd, who knows and cares for each of His sheep personally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_false_leaders.htm">Contrast with False Leaders</a></b><br>Jesus contrasts Himself with false leaders, reminding us to be wary of those who do not enter by the gate.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_means_jesus_as_true_shepherd.htm">What does it mean Jesus is the True Shepherd?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_adultery_ritual_in_numbers.htm">What does it mean to be God's sheep?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_jesus_is_'the_gate'.htm">How can Jesus claim to be 'the gate' (John 10:7-9), and is there any historical or archaeological evidence for such an assertion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_'other_sheep'_in_john_10_16.htm">Who exactly are the 'other sheep' in John 10:16, and why is there no clear historical record identifying them?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">But he that entereth in by the door.</span>--See Notes on <a href="/context/john/10-7.htm" title="Then said Jesus to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.">John 10:7-9</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Is the shepherd of the sheep.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">is a shepherd of the sheep.</span> The word here (comp. <a href="/john/10-12.htm" title="But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.">John 10:12</a>) simply characterises him that entereth by the door as a shepherd, in opposition to the robber who climbeth over the fence.<p>-2<a href="/john/10-16.htm" title="And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.">John 10:16</a> of this chapter finds the commencement of its fulfilment in this mission. The appointment of a new body of disciples, whose very number is symbolical of a wider work, was the first step in the bringing in of the "other sheep." The Twelve answered to the number of the tribes of Israel; but the Seventy represent the nations of the world. The directions for this work to each body are nearly identical, but the restrictions laid upon the Twelve are not laid upon the Seventy.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But he that enters in by the door is a shepherd of the sheep</span>. Let him be who he may, Pharisee or priest, prophet or king, pastor or evangelist, unless he approach the sheep by the right "way" he demeans and condemns himself. If he come by the door into the fold, he may be so far presumably a shepherd. One fold might contain several flocks, and a shepherd might lead these flocks into different enclosures according to his wisdom and care for his sheep. Neander, Godet, and Watkins think it possible that the whole imagery may have been borrowed from the eye. The shepherds towards evening were probably gathering their scattered flocks, according to Oriental custom, into their well-known enclosures, and Jesus with his audience might have seen them doing it if they gazed out from the courts of the temple over the neighboring hills (see also Thomson, 'The Land and the Book,' 1:301, a passage which provides an admirable commentary on this parable). There is no absolute need that the customary and well-known habit of the country-side should have been visible at the moment. The abundantly attested practice furnished to his hearers all needful corroboration. The deeper significance of the passage lies in the prophetic symbolism of <a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-3</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-52.htm">Psalm 78:52</a>; <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Numbers 27:17</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23, 31</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Ezekiel 37:24</a>. Jehovah was the Shepherd of Israel (<a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a>), and he would appoint once more in their Messiah-King a David, who should be his gracious Representative and Agent. All these representations were gathered up in Christ's wonderful parable of the lost sheep (<a href="/luke/15-3.htm">Luke 15:3-7</a>). Thoma endeavors to credit the author of the Gospel with this ideal picture of the contrast between the true and false shepherd. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/10-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the [one who]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">enters</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσερχόμενος</span> <span class="translit">(eiserchomenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gate</span><br /><span class="grk">θύρας</span> <span class="translit">(thyras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2374.htm">Strong's 2374: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] shepherd</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιμήν</span> <span class="translit">(poimēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4166.htm">Strong's 4166: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sheep.</span><br /><span class="grk">προβάτων</span> <span class="translit">(probatōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/10-2.htm">John 10:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/10-2.htm">NT Gospels: John 10:2 But one who enters in by (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/10-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 10:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 10:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/10-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 10:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 10:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>