King James Version

What Does John 10:13 Mean?

John 10:13 in the King James Version says “The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 10:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The hireling flees because he's a hireling and doesn't care about the sheep. Motive determines action in crisis. Those serving for self-interest abandon flock when serving becomes costly. True shepherds remain because they love the sheep, not merely the position or income. This exposes false ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The contrast would have been clear to Jesus' audience who knew shepherding. True shepherds risked death to protect flocks; hirelings calculated self-preservation versus sheep's value.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates your service - love or self-interest?
  2. How do crises reveal true versus false ministry?
  3. What keeps you serving when ministry becomes costly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὁ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14
G1161

but, and, etc

μισθωτὸς3 of 14

“The hireling”

G3411

a wage-worker (good or bad)

φεύγει,4 of 14

“fleeth”

G5343

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

ὅτι5 of 14

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μισθωτὸς6 of 14

“The hireling”

G3411

a wage-worker (good or bad)

ἐστιν7 of 14

“he is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ8 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ9 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

μέλει10 of 14

“careth”

G3199

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

αὐτῷ11 of 14
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

περὶ12 of 14

“for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῶν13 of 14
G3588

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

προβάτων14 of 14

“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 10:13 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 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 12:6Philippians 2:20Acts 18:17

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