John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλός
the good
G2570
καλός
the good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γινώσκομαι
am known
G1097
γινώσκομαι
am known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 15
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γινώσκομαι
am known
G1097
γινώσκομαι
am known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
12 of 15
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 15
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Revelation 2:2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Historical Context
Ezekiel 34 condemns Israel's wicked shepherds (leaders) and promises God will shepherd His people personally. Jesus claims to fulfill this prophecy. David, Israel's greatest king, was a shepherd—Jesus is the greater David.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ personally differ from knowing about Him intellectually?
- In what ways do you recognize Christ's voice amidst competing voices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repetition 'I am the good shepherd' (also v. 11) employs Semitic emphasis, with 'good' (Greek 'kalos') meaning noble, beautiful, ideal—in contrast to hirelings. The mutual knowledge—'I know my sheep, and am known of mine'—describes intimate relationship, not mere acquaintance. This echoes Jeremiah 31:34 and anticipates the New Covenant's personal knowledge of God. The parallel structure ('I know...known of mine') demonstrates reciprocal relationship.