John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Read in Context
8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
Understanding This Verse
Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds who harm the sheep.
Jesus came to give us abundant, meaningful life, not just existence.
Compare Translations
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
“'The thief doth not come, except that he may steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly.”
“The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”
Cross References
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