The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying He offers "more" life than the thief takes away; He's highlighting that the abundance He brings is an overflowing, superabundant quality of life, not just a quantitative increase. This isn't merely a contrast of "life versus death" but "abundant, flourishing life versus utter destruction."
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is explaining his role as the true shepherd by contrasting himself with those who would harm his flock. He has just declared himself the "door" for the sheep, and now he clarifies that anyone trying to get to the sheep by any other means is a thief. This thief's sole intention is to exploit and ruin the sheep, a stark contrast to Jesus' purpose.
Jesus paints a stark picture of a 'thief.' What's their motive, and how does this contrast with Christ's purpose?
Jesus directly contrasts Himself with 'the thief.' The thief's entire purpose is defined by destruction: to steal, kill, and destroy. This isn't about a petty crime; it's a total annihilation of value, life, and well-being.
Motives of the Thief
This imagery speaks to forces – spiritual, personal, or societal – that aim to strip away the good things God has given us, ultimately seeking our ruin.
Jesus declares, 'I came that they may have life.' What kind of life is this, and why is it described as 'abundant'?
In direct opposition to the thief's mission, Jesus states His purpose: 'I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.' This isn't just about avoiding destruction; it's about receiving something far greater.
The Nature of Abundant Life
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This abundant life is not just about having more, but about having better – a quality of life infused with God's presence, grace, and joy, far surpassing anything the world or the thief can offer.
Understand the original words
zōē · Greek Noun
The state of being alive in a spiritual sense; the eternal, abundant relationship with God that begins now and continues forever in Christ.
perissos · Greek Adjective
A life that exceeds ordinary limits; it describes the quality of life in Christ which is characterized by spiritual fullness, joy, and peace that transcends earthly circumstances.
This passage prophesies against false shepherds who exploit and scatter God's flock, directly paralleling the 'thief' Jesus describes and setting the stage for God to raise up a true Shepherd who brings life and justice.
Ezekiel 34:11-16God Himself declares His intention to seek out and rescue His sheep from neglectful shepherds, promising to feed them and restore them to lush pastures, mirroring Jesus' promise of abundant life.
1 Peter 5:8This verse echoes the danger presented by the 'thief' by warning believers to be alert and self-controlled because their enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
Colossians 2:8-10Paul warns against being taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophies, contrasting it with being 'fully given life' in Christ, who is the head of all rule and authority, directly opposing the destructive nature of the thief.
1 John 2:26-27John reassures believers that they have an anointing from the Holy One and do not need false teachers, as the anointing teaches them all things, reinforcing the idea that true life and guidance come from Christ, not from deceivers.
calvinJohn 10:7-10: "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep."
- And Jesus again said to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, that I am the door of the sheep. 8. All who have entered before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. 9. I am the door. If any man enter by me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10. The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come, that they may have…
ellicottJohn 10:10: "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."
(10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal. —Comp. Notes on John 10:1 ; John 10:8 . The description of the thief is opposed to that of the shepherd, who constantly goes in and out and finds pasture. His visits are but rare, and when he comes it is but for his own selfish purposes, and for the ruin of the flock. Each detail of his c…
Jesus isn't just saying He offers "more" life than the thief takes away; He's highlighting that the abundance He brings is an overflowing, superabundant quality of life, not just a quantitative increase. This isn't merely a contrast of "life versus death" but "abundant, flourishing life versus utter destruction."
Jesus is explaining his role as the true shepherd by contrasting himself with those who would harm his flock. He has just declared himself the "door" for the sheep, and now he clarifies that anyone trying to get to the sheep by any other means is a thief. This thief's sole intention is to exploit and ruin the sheep, a stark contrast to Jesus' purpose.
Jesus is explaining his role as the true shepherd by contrasting himself with those who would harm his flock. He has just declared himself the "door" for the sheep, and now he clarifies that anyone trying to get to the sheep by any other means is a thief. This thief's sole intention is to exploit and ruin the sheep, a stark contrast to Jesus' purpose.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." — Jesus isn't just saying He offers "more" life than the thief takes away; He's highlighting that the abundance He brings is an overflowing, superabundant quality of life, not just a quantitative incre…
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Last reviewed October 2026