Truly, truly
The Greek words "ἀμὴν ἀμὴν" (amen amen) are used here, which are transliterated directly into English as "truly, truly." This double affirmation is unique to the Gospel of John and serves to emphasize the certainty and authority of Jesus' words. In Jewish tradition, "amen" is a declaration of affirmation, and its repetition here underscores the divine truth and reliability of what Jesus is about to declare. It is a call to pay close attention, as what follows is of utmost importance.

I tell you
This phrase is a direct address, indicating a personal and authoritative communication from Jesus to His audience. The Greek "λέγω ὑμῖν" (lego hymin) conveys not just the act of speaking, but the impartation of truth. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this phrase often precedes profound spiritual truths or revelations about His identity and mission.

I am
The Greek phrase "ἐγώ εἰμι" (ego eimi) is significant, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." This self-identification by Jesus is a profound declaration of His divinity and eternal existence. In the Gospel of John, the "I am" statements are central to understanding Jesus' nature and mission. They reveal His role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His unity with the Father.

the gate
The Greek word "θύρα" (thyra) translates to "gate" or "door." In the pastoral context of first-century Palestine, a gate was essential for the protection and management of sheep. Jesus as "the gate" signifies His role as the sole means of access to spiritual safety and salvation. This metaphor highlights His function as the protector and provider for His followers, ensuring their security and well-being.

for the sheep
The term "sheep" (πρόβατα, probata) is a common biblical metaphor for God's people. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sheep were valuable and required constant care and guidance. By referring to His followers as sheep, Jesus emphasizes their need for guidance, protection, and sustenance, which He alone can provide. This imagery also connects to the Old Testament, where God is often depicted as the Shepherd of Israel, caring for His flock with compassion and diligence.

Verily, verily, I say unto you.--Comp. Note on John 10:1.

I am the door of the sheep.--Taking these words in connection with John 10:1-2, they seem to mean not "the door for the sheep," but "the door to the sheep," "the door into the sheep-fold." Our Lord returns to the words, and explains them more fully, in John 10:9.

(2) Allegory of the door and the fold, in which Christ claims to be "the Door of the sheep." Verse 7. - Jesus therefore (οϋν, with its resumptive force, introduces the effect upon Christ of the unsusceptible character of the Pharisees). Some pause may have occurred, during which these men displayed their bitter feeling and utter lack of appreciation, and he proceeds first to give them an explanation of the words, which should leave them in no doubt as to one emphatic meaning which they contained; Said again unto them, I am the Door of the sheep, This exposition of the allegory is introduced by the solemn Amen, amen. Christ first calls attention to the "door" into the sacred fellowship of men with God. On a subsequent occasion (John 14:6), he said, "I am the Way" to the Father; "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The parable as it stands refers to true and false teachers of the people, and to just and unjust claims to confer upon the sheep of God's pasture safe and sure access to God, and all privileges of Divine life. In interpreting it, he declares first that he is the one Door, not of "the fold" so much as of the sheep, in their individual capacity. This corresponds with every claim made by him and made in his Name, that he, in all the fullness of his Personality, had always been the one Medium by which, in the theocracy or beyond it, men have drawn near to the Father. The Logos is the Angel of the covenant, the Rock in the wilderness, the great High Priest, the Veil over the holy place, the propitiatory Sacrifice, the Prophet, the King. He it is who ever and always has given consolation and peace to his people. He is the one method, agency, reality, by which not only the shepherds, but the sheep, enter into the fold, and go forth thence to pasture.

Parallel Commentaries ...