John 10:28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Original Language Analysis
κἀγὼ
And I
G2504
κἀγὼ
And I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
1 of 21
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
3 of 21
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
δίδωμι
give
G1325
δίδωμι
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 21
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπόλωνται
perish
G622
ἀπόλωνται
perish
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 21
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
G165
αἰῶνα
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐχ
G3756
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 21
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
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 6:37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.John 18:9That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.Isaiah 54:17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.Romans 8:1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Historical Context
This assurance responds to the anxious question about Jesus' identity (10:24). While Jewish leaders rejected Him, His sheep were secure. The contrast with the thief who comes to steal and destroy (10:10) is stark - Jesus gives life that cannot be taken. In a context where persecution threatened the early church, this promise provided profound comfort. Origen and Augustine discussed this verse in debates about apostasy and perseverance. Reformed theology emphasized unconditional security based on Christ's keeping power, while Arminian theology questioned whether voluntary departure constituted being 'plucked out.' The verse's emphasis on Christ's action rather than human effort suggests security depends on the Shepherd's strength, not the sheep's grip.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the present tense 'I give' shape our understanding of eternal life as ongoing gift rather than one-time transaction?
- What is the relationship between Christ's holding us and our responsibility to continue following?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares 'I give unto them eternal life' (kago didomi autois zoen aionion). The present tense didomi indicates ongoing action - He continually gives life, not a one-time transaction. The life given is zoen aionion - not merely endless duration but the quality of divine life itself. Jesus then promises 'they shall never perish' using the emphatic double negative ou me apolontai, the strongest possible negation. The verb apollumi means to destroy, to lose, to perish utterly. The second promise 'neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand' (ou me harpasei tis auta ek tes cheiros mou) uses harpazo (to seize, snatch violently). The imagery of being held in Christ's hand conveys security, possession, and protection. This verse teaches the doctrine of eternal security - those whom Christ saves cannot be lost, not due to their own grip but because they are held in His hand.