John 10:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μισθωτὸς

G3411

an hireling

a wage-worker (good or bad)

δὲ,

G1161

But

but, and, etc

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὢν

G5607

he that is

being

ποιμήν

G4166

the shepherd

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

οὗ

G3739

whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

εἰσιν

G1526

are

they are

#11

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

πρόβατα

G4263

the sheep

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἴδια

G2398

own

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#14

θεωρεῖ

G2334

seeth

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

#15

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

λύκος

G3074

the wolf

a wolf

#17

ἐρχόμενον

G2064

coming

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἀφίησιν

G863

leaveth

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#20

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

πρόβατα

G4263

the sheep

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

φεύγει

G5343

fleeth

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

λύκος

G3074

the wolf

a wolf

#27

ἁρπάζει

G726

catcheth

to seize (in various applications)

#28

αὐτὰ

G846

them

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

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#30

σκορπίζει

G4650

scattereth

to dissipate, i.e., (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal

#31

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

πρόβατα

G4263

the sheep

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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

How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

John 10:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources