New Testament
John 10:18
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No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
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No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
What John 10:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes His control over His own life and death. He states that no one can take His life from Him; instead, He willingly chooses to lay it down. This act of laying down His life refers to His impending crucifixion, which He does out of love and obedience to God the Father. Furthermore, Jesus asserts that He has the power not only to give up His life but also to take it back again, indicating His authority over resurrection. This command to lay down His life and take it up again was given to Him by the Father, highlighting the divine plan and purpose behind His sacrifice. This verse reassures believers of Jesus' sovereignty and His role as the Good Shepherd who willingly sacrifices Himself for the sheep, demonstrating His love and commitment to humanity.
How to apply John 10:18 to your life
Understanding Jesus' authority over His life encourages us to trust in His plan for our own lives. We can find comfort in knowing that He willingly sacrificed Himself for us, which inspires us to live in gratitude and obedience to His teachings.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 10:18 mean?
John 10:18 means that Jesus has complete control over His life and death. He willingly chooses to lay down His life for humanity and has the authority to rise again, showing His power and obedience to God's plan.
What is the significance of Jesus laying down His life in John 10:18?
The significance of Jesus laying down His life in John 10:18 is that it represents His voluntary sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This act demonstrates His love and commitment to His followers, fulfilling God's divine plan for salvation.
What does 'I have authority to lay it down' mean in John 10:18?
'I have authority to lay it down' in John 10:18 means that Jesus has the power to choose when to give up His life. This emphasizes His sovereignty and the intentional nature of His sacrifice for humanity.
How does John 10:18 relate to the resurrection?
John 10:18 relates to the resurrection by stating that Jesus not only lays down His life but also has the authority to take it up again. This highlights His power over death and the promise of eternal life for believers.
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