New International Versionjust as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
New Living Translationjust as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
English Standard Versionjust as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Berean Standard Biblejust as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
Berean Literal BibleAs the Father knows Me, I also know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
King James BibleAs the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
New King James VersionAs the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
New American Standard Biblejust as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
NASB 1995even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
NASB 1977even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Legacy Standard Bibleeven as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Amplified Bibleeven as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep.
Christian Standard Biblejust as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
Holman Christian Standard Bibleas the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.
American Standard Versioneven as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Contemporary English VersionJust as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep.
English Revised Versioneven as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo I give my life for my sheep.
International Standard Versionjust as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.
NET Biblejust as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.
New Heart English Bibleeven as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
Webster's Bible TranslationAs the Father knoweth me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Weymouth New Testamentjust as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I am laying down my life for the sheep. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblejust as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
World English Bibleeven as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionaccording as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father, and My life I lay down for the sheep,
Berean Literal BibleAs the Father knows Me, I also know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Young's Literal Translation according as the Father doth know me, and I know the Father, and my life I lay down for the sheep,
Smith's Literal TranslationAs the Father knows me, I also know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep.
Catholic Public Domain Versionjust as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for my sheep.
New American Biblejust as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
New Revised Standard Versionjust as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJust as my Father knows me, I also know my Father; and I lay down my life for the sake of the sheep.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Just as my Father knows me and I know my Father, and I lay down my life for the flock's sake.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAs the Father knows me, I also know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Godbey New Testamentas the Father knows Me, and I know the Father; and I lay down My soul for the sheep.
Haweis New Testament
As the Father knoweth me, so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Mace New Testament
(as the father and I are known to one another:) and I lay down my life for them.
Weymouth New Testament
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I am laying down my life for the sheep.
Worrell New Testament
even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father; and I lay down My soul for the sheep.
Worsley New Testament
Even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus the Good Shepherd… 14I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, 15just astheFatherknowsMeand IknowtheFather.AndI lay downMylifeforthesheep.16I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.…
Cross References Isaiah 53:6-7We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. / He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
1 John 3:16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Hebrews 13:20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
Ezekiel 34:11-16For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...
Matthew 20:28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
1 Peter 2:24-25He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” / For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Philippians 2:7-8but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
Romans 5:8But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 5:2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Mark 10:45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 19:10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 15:13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Isaiah 40:11He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
Psalm 23:1-4A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...
Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
Treasury of Scripture As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. As. John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declaredhim. John 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. John 8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. and I. John 10:11,17 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Isaiah 53:4-6,8,10 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted… Jump to Previous LaySheepJump to Next LaySheepJohn 10 1.Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.19.Diverse opinions of him.23.He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;31.escapes the Jews;39.and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.just as the Father knows MeThis phrase emphasizes the intimate and unique relationship between Jesus and God the Father. In biblical context, the term "knows" implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual awareness. This relationship is foundational to the Christian understanding of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one. The knowledge between the Father and the Son is perfect and complete, reflecting divine unity and purpose. This mirrors the Old Testament concept of God's covenantal knowledge of Israel, where knowing implies a chosen relationship ( Amos 3:2). and I know the Father.
Here, Jesus asserts His divine knowledge of the Father, affirming His deity and equality with God. This mutual knowledge signifies the perfect harmony and agreement in the divine will and mission. It also highlights Jesus' authority and authenticity as the Son of God, who reveals the Father to humanity (John 1:18). This mutual knowledge is a model for believers, who are called to know God through Christ, as seen in the New Testament's emphasis on knowing God through a relationship with Jesus (Philippians 3:10). And I lay down My life for the sheep.
This statement is a prophetic declaration of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. The imagery of the shepherd laying down his life for the sheep is rooted in the cultural and historical context of shepherding in ancient Israel, where shepherds were known to risk their lives to protect their flocks. This act of laying down His life is voluntary and purposeful, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such asIsaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant. It also connects to the typology of the Passover lamb, where Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity (1 Corinthians 5:7). This phrase underscores the theme of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus dies in place of His people, ensuring their salvation and eternal security. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, who is speaking about His relationship with the Father and His sacrificial role as the Good Shepherd. 2. The FatherRefers to God the Father, highlighting the intimate and reciprocal knowledge between Him and Jesus. 3. The SheepSymbolic of believers who follow Jesus, representing those who benefit from His sacrificial love and protection. Teaching Points Intimate Knowledge and RelationshipJesus emphasizes the deep, personal relationship He shares with the Father. Believers are called to seek a similar intimate relationship with God through prayer and study of His Word. Sacrificial LoveJesus' willingness to lay down His life for the sheep is the ultimate act of love. Christians are encouraged to demonstrate sacrificial love in their relationships, putting others' needs before their own. Security in ChristAs the Good Shepherd, Jesus provides security and protection for His sheep. Believers can find comfort and assurance in His care, knowing He has laid down His life for their salvation. Call to Follow the ShepherdThe sheep recognize and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd. Christians are called to discern and follow Jesus' guidance in their daily lives, trusting in His wisdom and direction. Unity with ChristThe unity between Jesus and the Father serves as a model for believers' unity with Christ. This unity is fostered through obedience, love, and commitment to His teachings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 10:15?
2.How does John 10:15 illustrate Jesus' sacrificial love for His followers?
3.In what ways can we emulate Jesus' selflessness in our daily lives?
4.How does John 10:15 connect with the theme of the Good Shepherd?
5.What does "lay down My life" teach about Jesus' mission and purpose?
6.How can understanding Jesus' sacrifice deepen our relationship with Him today?
7.How does John 10:15 illustrate the relationship between Jesus and God?
8.What does John 10:15 reveal about Jesus' willingness to sacrifice for humanity?
9.How does John 10:15 support the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?
11.Who can take them from my Father's hand?
12.What defines the theological principles of Calvinism?
13.What does it mean Jesus is the True Shepherd?
14.Who are the lost sheep of Israel?What Does John 10:15 Mean just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father“Just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father” •Here Jesus speaks of an intimate, perfect, and eternal relationship with the Father. This mutual knowledge is complete—no secrets, no distance.Matthew 11:27 reminds us, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” •That same depth of relationship appears inJohn 17:24-26, where Jesus prays that His followers would behold His glory and know the Father’s love. •The statement also affirms Jesus’ full divinity. Only One who is truly God can be known perfectly by the Father and know Him in return (John 1:1-2, 18). •Because this knowledge is relational, not merely informational, it becomes the model for how believers are invited into fellowship with God (1 John 1:3;John 17:3). •Jesus sets up a comparison: the way He and the Father relate becomes the foundation for everything He does next on behalf of the sheep.
And I lay down My life for the sheep“And I lay down My life for the sheep” •The intimacy just described moves Jesus to sacrificial action. He willingly gives His life; it is not taken from Him (John 10:17-18). •By calling His followers “the sheep,” Jesus ties the whole chapter together: He is the Good Shepherd who does more than guide—He dies in their place (John 10:11). •This is substitutionary atonement: He absorbs the danger and judgment that rightly belong to the flock (Isaiah 53:5-6;1 Peter 2:24). •Love motivates the sacrifice. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). •The Shepherd’s death secures life for the sheep, granting them eternal security (John 10:28-29) and reconciling them to God (Romans 5:8-10).
summaryJohn 10:15 bridges heavenly relationship and earthly rescue. The perfect knowledge shared by Father and Son displays Christ’s full deity and unbroken fellowship with the Father. Flowing directly from that divine intimacy, Jesus offers Himself as the Shepherd who dies for His sheep, guaranteeing their salvation and safety. Knowing who He is explains why He does what He does—and our confidence rests on both truths. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father.--Better, . . . and I know the Father. Our version, by its rendering, and by the division of verses, fails to give the full meaning, and there is thus, indeed, no reason for the assertion of the mutual knowledge of the Father and the Son. But connecting the words with those of the previous verse, we have, "I am the Good Shepherd, and know those who are Mine, and those who are Mine know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." This deeper sense of union between the human spirit and Himself, and the wondrous likening of it to the union of Himself and the Father, is present to His mind as the close of His work on earth draws near. We find it again in John 14:20; John 15:10; John 17:8; John 17:21. It is bound up with the thought of the love which lays down His own life for them. This is repeated here and again in John 10:17-18.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek just asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.FatherΠατὴρ(Patēr)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.knowsγινώσκει(ginōskei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.Meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.and Iκἀγὼ(kagō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504:To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.knowγινώσκω(ginōskō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Father.Πατέρα(Patera)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.I lay downτίθημι(tithēmi)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5087:To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.lifeψυχήν(psychēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590:From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.forὑπὲρ(hyper)Preposition
Strong's 5228:Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sheep.προβάτων(probatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263:A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.
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NT Gospels: John 10:15 Even as the Father knows me (Jhn Jo Jn) |
