The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

JOHN 10:13KJV
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John 10:13 (KJV)

What does John 10:13 mean?

John 10:13 says that a hired worker runs away when danger comes because he is only working for pay and does not truly care about the sheep. This verse highlights the difference between someone who is only doing a job and someone who is genuinely invested in the well-being of those they are responsible for.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes religious leaders, using the image of a shepherd and his sheep. He contrasts the "hireling" (a paid worker) with the true shepherd, showing that the hireling's lack of real concern for the sheep leads him to abandon them when threatened. This helps set up Jesus’ point about his own commitment to his followers, in contrast to those who lead only for personal gain.

The Greek behind John 10:13

  • The word "hireling" (μισθωτός, misthōtos) refers to someone who works for wages rather than out of personal commitment. This word choice underlines the idea of a person who is motivated by pay, not by genuine care.
  • The verb "fleeth" (φεύγει, pheugei) means to run away or escape. The Greek here emphasizes a quick, self-preserving action, showing the hireling’s priority is his own safety.
  • "Careth" (μέλει, melei) means to be concerned about or to take an interest in. The Greek stresses that the hireling has no real investment in the sheep’s welfare, making his abandonment unsurprising.

Why John 10:13 matters

  • John 10:13 clarifies that not everyone in a position of responsibility truly cares for those they oversee; some are motivated only by self-interest.
  • This verse helps explain why Jesus describes himself as the "good shepherd" in contrast to others who fail to protect or love the flock.
  • Understanding this verse sheds light on the broader theme of genuine versus superficial leadership that runs through John 10, making Jesus' care for his followers stand out even more.

Where else these words appear

“hireling” Greek G3411 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

“careth” Greek G3199 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

“fleeth” Greek G5343 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.