John 10:14 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. I-- know my sheep - I know, τα εμα, them that are mine: I know their hearts, their wishes, their purposes, their circumstances; and I approve of them; for in this sense the word to know is often taken in the Scriptures. Homer represents the goatherds as being so well acquainted with their own, though mixed with others, as easily to distinguish them.

Τους δ', ὡς' αιπολια πλατε' αιγων αιπολοι ανδρες

Ῥεια διακρινεωσιν, επει κε νομῳ μιγεωσιν.

Iliad. 2.474.

"As goat-herds separate their numerous flocks

With ease, though fed promiscuous."

And are known of mine - They know me as their father, protector, and Savior; they acknowledge me and my truth before the world; and they approve of me, my word, my ordinances, and my people, and manifest this by their attachment to me, and their zeal for my glory. The first clause of the 15th verse should be joined to the fourteenth.

John 10:14

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.