John 10:6
This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that Jesus didn't just use a simple story; He employed a "figurative speech," or allegory. The people missed its deeper meaning because their minds were closed, just as they had failed to see the spiritual truth in the healing of the man born blind.
Jesus has just delivered a vivid allegory comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep entering a sheepfold, contrasting this with thieves and robbers who climb in another way. The religious leaders he's speaking to, however, completely miss the point, unable to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning of his words. This leads Jesus to reiterate and clarify his message, directly identifying himself as the "door" through which one must enter to be truly saved.
Jesus loved to speak in pictures, but not everyone gets the memo. Why did He use these 'figures of speech,' and why did His audience miss the point?
Jesus often used figurative language, known as a 'figure of speech' or 'allegory' (παροιμία - paroimia in Greek), to teach profound truths. This wasn't just for stylistic flair; it was a way to unveil deeper spiritual realities that ordinary language might not capture.
Think of it like this: A picture can communicate emotion or a complex scene more powerfully than a thousand words. Jesus used these 'pictures' to engage His listeners' minds and hearts, inviting them to think beyond the surface. However, understanding these deeper meanings required more than just hearing the words; it demanded an open heart and a spiritual sensitivity. When people didn't grasp the meaning, it often stemmed from a resistance to the message itself, rather than a simple intellectual gap.
Why did the religious leaders, who should have been the most perceptive, completely miss what Jesus was saying?
The text says, 'they did not understand.' This wasn't just an intellectual failure; it was a spiritual one. The religious leaders, despite their outward claims of spiritual insight, were often blinded by their own pride, traditions, and resistance to Jesus' authority.
Their inability to understand Jesus' words reveals a deeper issue: a lack of spiritual receptivity. As one commentator notes, they 'might have perceived, that they were blind.' They were so fixed on their own understanding and interpretations that they couldn't recognize the truth being presented in such a clear, albeit figurative, way. Their hearts were closed, making them deaf to the Shepherd's voice.
Understand the original words
paroimia · Greek Noun
A metaphor or illustrative comparison, often used by Jesus to teach spiritual truths through earthly imagery. In the context of John's Gospel, it frequently points to a deeper, veiled truth that requires spiritual insight to grasp.
The religious and political climate of Roman-occupied Judea, marked by Messianic expectation and tension with religious authorities, formed the backdrop for Jesus' teachings. His use of allegory in John 10, though rich with meaning, was misunderstood by many, particularly the religious leaders who were resistant to his claims.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Roman Control of Judea
Judea was under Roman occupation, with varying degrees of autonomy granted to local rulers. This period saw growing Messianic expectations and resentment towards foreign rule.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. His teachings and miracles attract large crowds but also draw the attention of religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Judean Ministry and Jerusalem Ministry
Jesus conducts ministry in Judea and Jerusalem, culminating in his triumphal entry and subsequent confrontation with religious leaders. He uses allegorical language and parables to teach about his identity and the nature of God's kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Confrontation with Religious Leaders
Jesus also uses figures of speech that his listeners don't understand, highlighting their spiritual blindness. This shows a consistent pattern of Jesus' teaching methods and the varied responses they received.
1 Corinthians 2:14This passage explains *why* people don't understand spiritual truths – the natural person cannot accept them because they are discerned spiritually. This directly addresses the inability of Jesus' listeners to grasp His allegory.
John 9:41Jesus directly tells the Pharisees, 'Your sin remains,' in response to their claim to see. This connects their lack of understanding of the sheepfold allegory to their willful spiritual blindness, as suggested by Benson and Bengel.
Romans 11:25Paul speaks of a 'hardening' that has come upon Israel 'in part' until the full number of Gentiles comes in. This provides a theological framework for why a group of people, even those familiar with Scripture, would fail to understand Jesus' deeper meaning.
barnesJohn 10:6: "This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them."
This parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3 . They understood not ... - They did not understand the meaning or design of the illustration.
vincentJohn 10:6: "This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them."
Parable (παροιμίαν)The word occurs but once outside of John's writings (2 Peter 2:22). The usual word for parable is παραβολή, which is once rendered proverb in the A.V. (Luke 4:23, changed to parable by Rev.), and which occurs nowhere in John. For the distinction see on Matthew 13:3.
What's easy to miss is that Jesus didn't just use a simple story; He employed a "figurative speech," or allegory. The people missed its deeper meaning because their minds were closed, just as they had failed to see the spiritual truth in the healing of the man born blind.
Jesus has just delivered a vivid allegory comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep entering a sheepfold, contrasting this with thieves and robbers who climb in another way. The religious leaders he's speaking to, however, completely miss the point, unable to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning of his words. This leads Jesus to reiterate and clarify his message, directly identifying himself as the "door" through which one must enter to be truly saved.
Jesus has just delivered a vivid allegory comparing himself to a shepherd and his followers to sheep entering a sheepfold, contrasting this with thieves and robbers who climb in another way. The religious leaders he's speaking to, however, completely miss the point, unable to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning of his words. This leads Jesus to reiterate and clarify his message, directly identifying himself as the "door" through which one must enter to be truly saved.
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Jesus engages in sharp debates with Pharisees and Sadducees, challenging their interpretations of the Law and their spiritual authority. This tension escalates as Jesus' teachings become more direct.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem. His resurrection is proclaimed by his followers, marking a pivotal moment for the early Christian movement.
"This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them." — What's easy to miss is that Jesus didn't just use a simple story; He employed a "figurative speech," or allegory. The people missed its deeper meaning because their minds were closed, just as they ha…
