( The hireling £ fleeth) because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep . He only cares for himself. He is no match for the wolf of temptation, or disease, or death, lie wants to reap the personal advantage of his temporary office, and, if his own interests are imperiled, he can leave them to any other hireling, or to the wolf. Melancholy picture this of much deserted duty. read more
A hireling - A man employed to take care of the sheep, to whom wages is paid. As he does not own the sheep, and guards them merely for pay, rather than risk his life he would leave the flock to the ravages of wild beasts. The word translated “hireling” is often employed in a good sense; but here it denotes one who is unfaithful to his trust; and especially those ministers who preach only for support, and who are unwilling to encounter any danger or to practice any self-denial for the welfare of... read more
Because he is a hireling - Because he regards only his wages. He feels no special interest in the flock. read more
John 10:11-15. I am the good shepherd Jesus, having represented himself as the door of the sheep, and intimated the regards which ought to be maintained to him as such, particularly by those that professed to be teachers of others, now changes the similitude, and represents himself, by way of eminence, the good shepherd, namely, the person frequently foretold in Scripture under that character, (see the margin,) and the proprietor of the sheep. The good shepherd giveth his life for the... read more
93. The good shepherd (John 10:1-21)In the story of the good shepherd, Jesus was continuing the teaching he had begun after healing the blind man. Among his hearers were the Pharisees (see John 9:40), but they could not see that he was contrasting their treatment of the blind man with his. They acted like thieves and robbers, but Jesus acted like a good shepherd. As a result the man rejected the leadership of the Pharisees, but he clearly recognized Jesus as the shepherd-saviour and gladly... read more
he that is an hireling = the hired servant. Greek. misthotos. Only here, John 10:13 , and Mark 1:20 . and not = and not being. seeth . Greek. theoreo = to view [with fixed gaze], i.e. with terror or fascination. See App-133 . and . Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ), for emph. catcheth them = catcheth or snatcheth them away. Same as "pluck", verses: John 10:28 , John 10:29 . Compare Acts 8:39 . 2 Corinthians 12:2 , 2Co 12:4 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 , &c. read more
The hireling fleeth . [L] Tm. Trm. WI R omit, but not the Syriac. See App-94 . note 3, p. 136. because . Greek. hoti. Same as "for" in John 10:4 . careth not for = is not himself concerned about. for = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 . read more
He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them out and scattereth them.The contrast here between the hireling keepers of the flock and the Lord who truly loved the sheep, enough even to die for them, has an application far beyond this. In the church of all ages there have been both evil and good shepherds in the full character of these on view in this verse.Hireling ... is not a... read more
He fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.Hireling ... See under preceding verse.Careth not for the sheep ... The true shepherd is one who cares for his charges. This contrasts with the heartless and pitiless disregard of such religious leaders as those who cast out the blind man in the hope of advancing their own nefarious schemes. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - John 10:12
He £ that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth . The hireling is contrasted with the shepherd. The protector of a flock, who, though, not a thief, or robber, or alien, yet has no unselfish regard for the sheep, is guilty of cowardice, and his shameless flight from danger may do as much harm to the flock as the thief or robber. Godet would, at all events at first, limit the reference to the priestly party,... read more