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Verse Takeaways
1
A Matter of Motivation
Commentators unanimously explain that the hireling's failure stems from his core motivation. He is driven by self-interest—his wages and personal safety—not by a genuine love for the sheep. As scholars like Gill and Calvin note, because he has no sense of ownership or personal investment in the flock, he "careth not for the sheep" when danger arises. His relationship is purely transactional.
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John
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On John 10:13
18th Century
Theologian
Because he is a hireling. Because he regards only his wages. He feels no special interest in the flock.
AT Robertson
On John 10:13
Because he is a hireling (οτ μισθωτος εστιν). And only that, without the shepherd heart that loves the sheep. Reason given for the…
Charles Ellicott
On John 10:13
19th Century
Bishop
The hireling fleeth.—These words are again an addition to the text and should be omitted, with the great majority of the best auth…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 10:11–13
19th Century
Preacher
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 10:13
Jesus’ statement about the hired hand indicates the differences between himself and the religious leaders of the day. The main concern of the hired…
John Calvin
On John 10:13
16th Century
Theologian
The hireling fleeth. The reason is, because he careth not for the sheep, which means, that his heart is not moved by the scatteri…
John Gill
On John 10:13
17th Century
Pastor
The hireling flees, because he is an hireling
And has no propriety in the sheep; had he, he would abide by them, and…
Matthew Henry
On John 10:10–18
17th Century
Minister
Christ is a good Shepherd. Many, who were not thieves, were yet careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principle…