John 10:8
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
3 of 15
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
Ezekiel 34:2Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?Jeremiah 23:1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.John 10:1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Historical Context
First-century Israel had seen numerous false messiahs and corrupt religious authorities who exploited people for personal gain. Jesus distinguishes Himself from these false shepherds.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you identify false shepherds and false gospels?
- What characterizes thieves versus true shepherds?
- Why didn't true sheep follow the false shepherds?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus identifies false shepherds as thieves and robbers who came before Him. These include false messiahs, corrupt religious leaders, and anyone claiming to offer salvation apart from Christ. True sheep didn't follow them, demonstrating that God's elect ultimately recognize and reject false shepherds who don't enter through the proper door.