John 10:12 Meaning and Explanation
“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A hired hand, who does not own the sheep, abandons them when the wolf comes, and the flock is caught and scattered.
What Does John 10:12 Mean?
Jesus sets a third figure beside the shepherd and the thief: the hireling, who is no predator but no protector either. He serves the flock for wages, and his commitment lasts exactly as long as his safety. When the wolf comes — the real test of any shepherd — he leaves, and the flock pays the price.
The difference is ownership: "whose own the sheep are not." The sheep belong to Christ, and that is why he stays when staying costs everything. Those who serve God's people only for what they can earn will always have a price at which they abandon them. The flock's true security is to be owned — bought, claimed, and loved — by the One who does not run.
John 10:12 in the Original Language
misthotos (μισθωτός), 'hireling' -- a hired hand; one who serves for pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 10:12
What does John 10:12 mean?
A hired hand, who does not own the sheep, abandons them when the wolf comes, and the flock is caught and scattered.