10:14a

I am the good shepherd: This clause is the same as in 10:11a. See the notes on 10:11a and translate it in both places in the same or a similar way.

10:14b–15a

10:14b–15a contains a double comparison. The way Jesus knows his people is compared to the way God the Father knows Jesus. Also, the way Jesus’ people know him is compared to the way Jesus knows God. In some languages it may be better to reorder this to compare just one thing to one other thing. For example:

I know my sheep as the Father knows me. My sheep know me as I know the Father. (God’s Word)
-or-
I know my sheep, as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me, as I know the Father. (New Century Version)

10:14b

I know My sheep and My sheep know Me: The phrase My sheep refers to Jesus’ own people, represented in the metaphor by the sheep. Some translations like the Berean Standard Bible supply a noun here, but the Greek is literally “my own.”

know: This word here refers to knowing someone personally. The good shepherd knows and recognizes each of his sheep, which is why he can call each one by name. And Jesus knows well each of his people as an individual, recognizing and accepting everyone who follows him. And they know him in that way also. They recognize his voice, his calling, and his leading.

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