John 10:2 Meaning and Explanation
“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In contrast with the thief, the true shepherd comes in openly by the gate.
What Does John 10:2 Mean?
The figure continues. In a fold that might shelter several flocks overnight, the shepherd has no need to climb the wall; he walks through the gate in plain sight, known to the gatekeeper and to the sheep. Jesus is still answering the rulers of chapter 9, whose treatment of the healed man showed how they handled the flock of God.
Legitimacy shows itself in openness. The true shepherd has nothing to hide; his coming bears the marks of appointment, not intrusion. Jesus himself came in the appointed way — announced by the prophets, baptized before Israel, doing the Father's works in daylight. The verse invites a quiet test of every leader and of our own hearts: do we come to God's people to feed them, or to use them?
John 10:2 in the Original Language
poimen (ποιμήν), 'shepherd' -- the one who feeds, leads, and guards a flock.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 10:2
What does John 10:2 mean?
In contrast with the thief, the true shepherd comes in openly by the gate.