King James Version

What Does John 10:12 Mean?

John 10:12 in the King James Version says “But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sh... — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 10:12 · KJV


Context

10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12

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.

13

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus contrasts the true shepherd with the hireling who works for wages rather than love for sheep. When danger comes, hirelings flee because the sheep aren't theirs. This distinguishes genuine from mercenary ministry - true shepherds risk themselves for the flock, while hirelings protect themselves. Reformed theology values pastoral calling over religious careerism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hired shepherds received wages but had no ownership stake in the flock. When wolves attacked, they often fled rather than risk their lives protecting sheep that didn't belong to them.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes genuine pastoral care from mercenary religion?
  2. How can you tell whether leaders truly care for people or merely their positions?
  3. What characterizes love-motivated versus wage-motivated ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
1 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μισθωτὸς2 of 32

an hireling

G3411

a wage-worker (good or bad)

δὲ,3 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ4 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ5 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὢν6 of 32

he that is

G5607

being

ποιμήν7 of 32

the shepherd

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)

οὗ8 of 32

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ9 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰσιν10 of 32

are

G1526

they are

τὰ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρόβατα12 of 32

the sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

ἴδια13 of 32

own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

θεωρεῖ14 of 32

seeth

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τὸν15 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λύκος16 of 32

the wolf

G3074

a wolf

ἐρχόμενον17 of 32

coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ18 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀφίησιν19 of 32

leaveth

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὰ20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρόβατα21 of 32

the sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φεύγει23 of 32

fleeth

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

καὶ24 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

25 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λύκος26 of 32

the wolf

G3074

a wolf

ἁρπάζει27 of 32

catcheth

G726

to seize (in various applications)

αὐτὰ28 of 32

them

G846

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

καὶ29 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σκορπίζει30 of 32

scattereth

G4650

to dissipate, i.e., (figuratively) put to flight, waste, be liberal

τὰ31 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρόβατα32 of 32

the sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study