John 10:13
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φεύγει,
fleeth
G5343
φεύγει,
fleeth
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
4 of 14
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέλει
careth
G3199
μέλει
careth
Strong's:
G3199
Word #:
10 of 14
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 14
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
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Historical Context
The contrast would have been clear to Jesus' audience who knew shepherding. True shepherds risked death to protect flocks; hirelings calculated self-preservation versus sheep's value.
Questions for Reflection
- What motivates your service - love or self-interest?
- How do crises reveal true versus false ministry?
- What keeps you serving when ministry becomes costly?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The hireling flees because he's a hireling and doesn't care about the sheep. Motive determines action in crisis. Those serving for self-interest abandon flock when serving becomes costly. True shepherds remain because they love the sheep, not merely the position or income. This exposes false ministry.