John 10:17
What does John 10:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:17 means
The Father “loves” the Son “because” He lays down His life to take it again. This does not mean the Father’s love is caused by the act, but that He delights in the Son’s willing obedience that accomplishes redemption. The cross and resurrection are not accidents; they are the Son’s embraced path, pleasing to the Father. Love within the Trinity overflows in salvation for the sheep. The phrase “that I may take it again” makes clear the death is purposeful, aimed at resurrection life. The Father’s affirmation rests on the Son’s resolute, loving fulfillment of the saving mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason am I loved by the Father, because I give up my life so that I may take it again.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Because of this doth the Father love me, because I lay down my life, that again I may take it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore doth the Father love me: because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On this account the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again.
Context
Following the promise of a united flock (verse 16), Jesus reveals the divine pleasure in His sacrificial mission. Verse 17 highlights the Father’s love for the Son expressed in the self-giving that leads to resurrection. Verse 18 will underline the voluntary nature and divine authority of this act. Together, these verses present the cross and resurrection as a coordinated work of Father and Son, strengthening the assurance that the sheep’s salvation is secure.
v.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.
v.17This passage
v.18No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
- Isaiah 42:1
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
- John 3:25
There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.
- John 17:4
I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do.
- Hebrews 2:9
But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man.
- John 10:15
even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
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