Joh 10:11, 14 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 11. The good shepherd . The faithful and true shepherd, willing to do all that is necessary to defend and save the flock. Giveth his life . A shepherd that regarded his flock would hazard his own life to defend them. When the wolf comes, he would still remain to protect them. To give his life , here, means the same as not to fly, or to forsake his flock; to be willing to expose his life, if necessary, to defend them. Comp. "I put my life in my hands and passed over," &c.; . See . The Messiah was often predicted under the character of a shepherd. (i) "I am the good shepherd"

John 10:11

Verse 11. The good shepherd. The faithful and true shepherd, willing to do all that is necessary to defend and save the flock.

Giveth his life. A shepherd that regarded his flock would hazard his own life to defend them. When the wolf comes, he would still remain to protect them. To give his life, here, means the same as not to fly, or to forsake his flock; to be willing to expose his life, if necessary, to defend them. Comp. Jud 12:3 "I put my life in my hands and passed over," &c.; 1Sam 19:5, 28:21. See Jn 10:15. The Messiah was often predicted under the character of a shepherd.

(i) "I am the good shepherd" Heb 13:20, 1Pet 2:25

John 10:14

Verse 14. Know my sheep. Know my people, or my church. The word know here is used in the sense of affectionate regard or love. It implies such a knowledge of their wants, their dangers, and their characters, as to result in a deep interest in their welfare. Thus the word "knoweth," in Jn 10:15, is in Jn 10:17 explained by the word "loveth." Jesus knows the hearts, the dangers, and the wants of his people, and his kindness as their shepherd prompts him to defend and aid them.

Am known of mine. That is, he is known and loved as their Saviour and Friend. They have seen their sins, and dangers, and wants; they have felt their need of a Saviour; they have come to him, and they have found him and his doctrines to be such as they need, and they have loved him. And as a flock follows and obeys its kind shepherd, so they follow and obey him who leads them beside the still waters, and makes them to lie down in green pastures.

(l) "know my sheep" 2Ti 2:19 (m) "and am known of mine" 1Jn 5:20