Hireling
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A hireling denotes a wage laborer in the ancient Near East, characterized by a lack of permanent attachment to the employer's property and a reliance on daily payment for survival. Biblical narratives contrast this transient status with that of a shepherd who owns the flock, emphasizing the hireling's tendency to flee danger to protect personal safety rather than the flock.
What is the meaning of Hireling in the Bible?
A hireling denotes a wage laborer in the ancient Near East, characterized by a lack of permanent attachment to the employer's property and a reliance on daily payment for survival. Biblical narratives contrast this transient status with that of a shepherd who owns the flock, emphasizing the hireling's tendency to flee danger to protect personal safety rather than the flock.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the economic vulnerability and social status of a hireling clarifies the metaphorical weight of Jesus' declaration in John 10, where the contrast between the good shepherd and the hireling underscores the difference between sacrificial leadership and self-interested management.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Hireling in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hireling clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.