John 10:11

Authorized King James Version

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγώ
I
i, me
#2
εἰμι
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ποιμὴν
shepherd
a shepherd (literally or figuratively)
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
καλὸς
the good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ποιμὴν
shepherd
a shepherd (literally or figuratively)
#9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
καλὸς
the good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ψυχὴν
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#13
αὐτοῦ
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#14
τίθησιν
giveth
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
#15
ὑπὲρ
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#16
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
προβάτων·
the sheep
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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