Bible Verse

John 10:10

Jesus contrasts Himself as the Good Shepherd with false shepherds (religious leaders) who exploit rather than care for God's sheep.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

— John 10:10 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

— ESV

"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."

— KJV

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

John 10 contains the Good Shepherd discourse. Jesus explains His relationship with believers using shepherd imagery familiar to His audience.

Historical Background

First-century Palestine, where shepherding was common. Jesus speaks after healing the blind man, contrasting His life-giving mission with the Pharisees' life-stealing legalism.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy"

'Thief' refers to false shepherds (religious leaders) and Satan himself. Three verbs describe destructive intent: steal (rob people of truth and freedom), kill (spiritual death), destroy (ruin lives). This is the enemy's complete agenda.

"I have come"

Jesus states His mission purpose—why He came to earth. This is the incarnation's goal. 'I' is emphatic—Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief. His coming has opposite intent and effect.

"that they may have life"

'Life' (Greek: zoe) is more than biological existence—it's eternal, spiritual life. This is abundant relationship with God starting now, not just heaven later. Jesus gives what we can't generate—real life.

"and have it to the full"

'To the full' (Greek: perissos) means abundantly, overflowing, exceeding necessity. Not bare minimum but lavish abundance. This isn't material prosperity but spiritual richness, joy, peace, purpose—life to the fullest extent.

Key Themes

Abundant life in ChristJesus as life-giverContrast with the enemyPurpose of Christ's comingFullness of life

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Recognize the enemy's tactics to steal, kill, and destroy what God gives you.

  2. 2

    Receive the abundant life Jesus offers rather than settling for mere existence.

  3. 3

    Find true life in relationship with Jesus, not in material possessions or achievements.

  4. 4

    Reject legalistic religion that drains life; embrace Jesus who gives life abundantly.

  5. 5

    Share the gospel as an invitation to abundant life, not just fire insurance.

Questions for Reflection

  • Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised, or just surviving?
  • What has the enemy stolen, killed, or tried to destroy in your life?
  • How would you describe 'life to the full' based on Jesus' offer?
  • Where are you seeking abundant life outside of Christ?

Related Scripture

John 14:6

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Romans 5:17

"For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

1 John 5:12

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

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