John 10:7
What does John 10:7 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:7 means
Jesus now declares plainly, “I am the door of the sheep.” He is not merely describing good leadership; He Himself is the God-appointed entry point to safety and life. In the ancient fold, the shepherd sometimes lay across the doorway, becoming the living door—keeping predators out and sheep in. Likewise, Jesus guards and grants access. There is no legitimate approach to God’s flock apart from Him. This claim narrows the way but opens assurance: those who come by Christ are received. He is both the boundary that protects and the threshold that welcomes, the one necessary mediator.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Jesus said again, Truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus said therefore again to them, `Verily, verily, I say to you--I am the door of the sheep;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus therefore said to them again: Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore said again to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
Context
Because the hearers missed the parable’s thrust (verse 6), Jesus moves to explicit identity statements. Verse 7 introduces the first—He is the door. Verses 8–9 expand this, contrasting Him with thieves and promising salvation and pasture to those who enter by Him. Then, verse 10 will contrast His purpose with the thief’s destruction, preparing for verse 11, where Jesus shifts images and calls Himself the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
- Ephesians 2:18
for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.
- Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
- John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 34:31
And ye my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord Jehovah.
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