John 10:18
What does John 10:18 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:18 means
No one takes Jesus’ life from Him. He lays it down of His own accord and has authority to take it up again. His death is not defeat by enemies but obedience to the Father’s command executed with divine sovereignty. This claim highlights both His freedom and unity with the Father: the command is given by the Father, gladly embraced and enacted by the Son. Resurrection power lies within His authority. The Shepherd’s sacrifice is not a tragic inevitability but a deliberate, powerful act to save the flock. Therefore, trust in His cross is trust in His kingly competence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000No 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611No man taketh it 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 have I received of my Father.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901No 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949No one takes it away from me; I give it up of myself. I have power to give it up, and I have power to take it again. These orders I have from my Father.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862no one doth take it from me, but I lay it down of myself; authority I have to lay it down, and authority I have again to take it; this command I received from my Father.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself. And I have power to lay it down: and I have power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it again. I have received this commandment of my Father.
Context
Completing the explanation begun in verse 17, verse 18 emphasizes the voluntariness and authority of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This climactic claim provokes division in verses 19–21, as some accuse Him of demonic madness while others appeal to His healing works. The narrative then shifts to the Feast of Dedication setting (verses 22–23), where a fresh confrontation over His identity unfolds, now focused on His Messiahship and unity with the Father.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 2:14
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
- Acts 2:24
whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
- John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
- Acts 2:32
This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.
- John 6:38
For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
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