John 10:15
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
γινώσκω
know
G1097
γινώσκω
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
2 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
I the Father
G3962
πατέρα
I the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
κἀγὼ
even so
G2504
κἀγὼ
even so
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
6 of 17
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
γινώσκω
know
G1097
γινώσκω
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
7 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
I the Father
G3962
πατέρα
I the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχήν
life
G5590
ψυχήν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
12 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
τίθημι
I lay down
G5087
τίθημι
I lay down
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
14 of 17
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
15 of 17
"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
Cross References
John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.Galatians 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:Isaiah 53:10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.John 15:13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Historical Context
The sacrifice of Christ stands in stark contrast to hirelings who flee danger. Jesus' voluntary death for His sheep demonstrates love that no false shepherd could match.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to know Christ and be known by Him intimately?
- How does Christ's voluntary death for you prove His shepherd love?
- In what ways do you experience being known by Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares perfect mutual knowledge between Himself and believers, paralleling His relationship with the Father. This mutual knowledge isn't merely information but intimate relationship - knowing and being known personally. Christ's declaration 'I lay down my life for the sheep' demonstrates the ultimate proof of the Good Shepherd's love - voluntary death for His own.