John 10:12
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 32
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
the sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
the sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
12 of 32
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
ἴδια
own
G2398
ἴδια
own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
13 of 32
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
θεωρεῖ
seeth
G2334
θεωρεῖ
seeth
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
14 of 32
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενον
coming
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 32
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
the sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
the sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
21 of 32
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φεύγει
fleeth
G5343
φεύγει
fleeth
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
23 of 32
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
28 of 32
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκορπίζει
scattereth
G4650
σκορπίζει
scattereth
Strong's:
G4650
Word #:
30 of 32
to dissipate, i.e., (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal
Cross References
2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Acts 20:29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;1 Timothy 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Historical Context
Hired shepherds received wages but had no ownership stake in the flock. When wolves attacked, they often fled rather than risk their lives protecting sheep that didn't belong to them.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes genuine pastoral care from mercenary religion?
- How can you tell whether leaders truly care for people or merely their positions?
- What characterizes love-motivated versus wage-motivated ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus contrasts the true shepherd with the hireling who works for wages rather than love for sheep. When danger comes, hirelings flee because the sheep aren't theirs. This distinguishes genuine from mercenary ministry - true shepherds risk themselves for the flock, while hirelings protect themselves. Reformed theology values pastoral calling over religious careerism.