John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "my own know me" isn't just about recognition, but about a deep, personal connection where believers actively recognize and respond to Jesus' true identity and care for them, mirroring his own intimate knowledge of the Father. This mutual knowing is the very foundation of their belonging to him, distinguishing them from anyone else.
Jesus continues his analogy, contrasting himself with the "thief" and "robber" who exploit the sheep for their own gain. He reveals himself as the true shepherd, whose intimate, loving knowledge of his flock mirrors the perfect relationship between himself and the Father. This deep, reciprocal relationship is the foundation for his willingness to lay down his life for them.
Jesus declares He 'knows' His sheep. But what kind of knowing is this? It's far deeper than just recognizing faces.
In John 10:14, when Jesus says, "I know my own," He’s not just talking about awareness, but about a profound, intimate connection.
A Love That Sees
The verse isn't a one-way street. Jesus' knowledge of us is met by our knowledge of Him. What does that look like?
The second part of Jesus' statement, "and my own know me," highlights a mutual relationship. This isn't just about us recognizing Jesus' existence, but a deeper, responsive knowledge.
The Response of Faith
Understand the original words
ginōskō · Greek Verb
Beyond mere intellectual awareness, this biblical term signifies an intimate, experiential, and relational connection. It implies a deep bond of love, mutual recognition, and covenantal commitment between persons.
This passage from Ezekiel describes God's direct intervention to care for His scattered sheep, echoing the 'good shepherd' theme and highlighting the personal knowledge and care He has for His flock, just as Jesus claims in John.
Psalm 23:1-6This beloved Psalm portrays the Lord as the shepherd who provides, guides, and protects, reflecting the intimate, relational knowledge and devoted care that Jesus, the good shepherd, has for His own.
1 Samuel 16:7While not about a shepherd, this verse shows God's perspective on knowing individuals, looking at the heart rather than outward appearance. This parallels Jesus' deep, internal knowledge of His sheep, going beyond the superficial.
Isaiah 40:11This verse describes God as a shepherd gently leading His flock, mirroring the tender and personal care Jesus asserts as the good shepherd who intimately knows and cares for each of His sheep.
1 Peter 5:4Peter refers to Jesus as the 'chief Shepherd,' echoing the 'good shepherd' imagery. This passage reinforces the idea of Jesus' ultimate leadership and personal relationship with His followers, who recognize His authority.
barnesJohn 10:14: "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
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 John 10:15 , is in John 10:17 explained by the word "loveth." Jesus knows the hearts, the dangers, and the wants of his people, and his kindn…
calvinJohn 10:11-15: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
- I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12. But the hireling, and he who is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf teareth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am kno…
The phrase "my own know me" isn't just about recognition, but about a deep, personal connection where believers actively recognize and respond to Jesus' true identity and care for them, mirroring his own intimate knowledge of the Father. This mutual knowing is the very foundation of their belonging to him, distinguishing them from anyone else.
Jesus continues his analogy, contrasting himself with the "thief" and "robber" who exploit the sheep for their own gain. He reveals himself as the true shepherd, whose intimate, loving knowledge of his flock mirrors the perfect relationship between himself and the Father. This deep, reciprocal relationship is the foundation for his willingness to lay down his life for them.
Jesus continues his analogy, contrasting himself with the "thief" and "robber" who exploit the sheep for their own gain. He reveals himself as the true shepherd, whose intimate, loving knowledge of his flock mirrors the perfect relationship between himself and the Father. This deep, reciprocal relationship is the foundation for his willingness to lay down his life for them.
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Jesus immediately connects His intimate knowledge and being known with the ultimate act of a shepherd: laying down His life.
The very next verses in John 10 (and the context surrounding verse 14) emphasize that this deep, mutual knowledge is demonstrated by Jesus' willingness to sacrifice Himself.
The Shepherd's Sacrifice
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me," — The phrase "my own know me" isn't just about recognition, but about a deep, personal connection where believers actively recognize and respond to Jesus' true identity and care for them, mirroring his…