John 10:6
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Original Language Analysis
Ταύτην
G3778
Ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παροιμίαν
parable
G3942
παροιμίαν
parable
Strong's:
G3942
Word #:
3 of 16
apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 16
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐκεῖνοι
they
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
8 of 16
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἔγνωσαν
understood
G1097
ἔγνωσαν
understood
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
11 of 16
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τίνα
what things
G5101
τίνα
what things
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
12 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Isaiah 56:11Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.Psalms 82:5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.Proverbs 28:5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Historical Context
Jesus often spoke in parables that revealed truth to true disciples while concealing it from hardened hearts. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that they would hear but not understand (Isa 6:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What causes some to hear Jesus' words yet miss their meaning?
- How does the Spirit illuminate Scripture's meaning for you?
- When have you moved from confusion to understanding about spiritual truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John notes the audience didn't understand Jesus' parable. Spiritual truth requires spiritual capacity to comprehend. The religious leaders heard the words but missed the meaning, illustrating that natural man cannot receive spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14). Understanding requires the Spirit's illumination, not merely human intelligence.