King James Bible
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
Jesus declares himself the exclusive entry point to salvation, using the metaphor of a sheepfold's gate. In ancient Palestinian shepherding, the shepherd often lay across the entrance at night, literally becoming the door that protected the flock. The invitation extends universally ('any man') while maintaining exclusivity of means ('by me'). Salvation here encompasses both immediate deliverance from danger and eternal security, echoing the door's function of separating the protected inside from threats outside. Those who enter through Christ enjoy freedom of movement and provision, not confinement. The phrase recalls Old Testament promises of peace and prosperity (Deuteronomy 28:6), suggesting believers experience both spiritual nourishment and liberty under Christ's protection.