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The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn`t care for the sheep.
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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11
18th Century
Presbyterian
Because he is a hireling. Because he regards only his wages. He feels no special interest in the flock.
Because he is a hireling (οτ μισθωτος εστιν). And only that, without the shepherd heart that loves the sheep. Reason given for the…
19th Century
Anglican
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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Baptist
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 …
Jesus’ statement about the hired hand indicates the differences between himself and the religious leaders of the day. The main concern of the hired…
16th Century
Protestant
The hireling fleeth. The reason is, because he careth not for the sheep, which means, that his heart is not moved by the scatteri…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
The hireling flees, because he is an hireling And has no propriety in the sheep; had he, he would abide by them, and…
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…
13th Century
Catholic
Here he explains the second clause of the parable: he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep (John 10:1…
