Devine Scripture

John 10:2

What does John 10:2 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:2 means

The rightful shepherd does not have to break in; he uses the door because he is recognized and authorized. His legitimacy is not self-asserted but acknowledged by those who guard the fold. This suggests divine commission. True shepherds are marked by proper calling and transparent approach. Jesus hints that the leaders who mistreat the sheep reveal themselves as intruders, while the true leader needs no subterfuge. Where the door is used, safety, order, and trust prevail. The shepherd’s relationship to the flock begins at the point of rightful access, showing that healthy ministry starts with God’s approval, not human manipulation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who goes in by the door is the keeper of the sheep.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who is entering through the door is shepherd of the sheep;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but he that enters in by the door is [the] shepherd of the sheep.

Context

After exposing pretenders in verse 1, Jesus presents the positive side: the shepherd who comes the right way. This builds toward the relational dynamics of verses 3–5, where the doorkeeper, the shepherd’s voice, and the sheep’s response demonstrate authenticity. The flow moves from lawful entry to personal recognition. Soon, in verses 7–9, Jesus will identify Himself as the door and then as the Good Shepherd, grounding this metaphor in His own person rather than leaving it as a general lesson about leadership.

v.1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

v.2This passage

v.3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 34:23

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

  • Zechariah 11:3

    A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! for their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! for the pride of the Jordan is laid waste.

  • Micah 5:5

    And this man shall be our peace. When the Assyrian shall come into our land, and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

  • John 10:9

    I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.

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