John Chapter 10 · Verse 2
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰσερχόμενος
he that entereth in
G1525
εἰσερχόμενος
he that entereth in
Strong's:
G1525
Word #:
3 of 10
to enter (literally or figuratively)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύρας
the door
G2374
θύρας
the door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
6 of 10
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
John 10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Psalms 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Ecclesiastes 12:11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Zechariah 11:5Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.Zechariah 11:8Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
Historical Context
Shepherding was considered lowly work in first-century culture, yet Jesus uses it to describe spiritual leadership. This contrasts with the Pharisees' prideful religious authority that exploited rather than served.
Questions for Reflection
- What does proper calling to spiritual leadership look like?
- How do you recognize self-appointed versus God-appointed leaders?
- What characterizes true shepherding versus religious careerism?
Analysis & Commentary
The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. Legitimate authority isn't seized but received through proper means. This verse emphasizes ordained ministry - those called, equipped, and authorized by God to shepherd His flock. The Reformed tradition values orderly calling to ministry over self-appointed religious leadership.