That is, the door by which the sheep enter. Later Jesus identifies Himself also as the shepherd (v. 11). He now declares Himself to be the only true entrance to the spiritual fold (cf. v. 9). Access to the spiritual kingdom is possible only through Him. Those who hold forth any other means of access to God are false shepherds, false teachers. Such were the Pharisees to whom these words were addressed. They clung to the teaching that salvation comes to those who observe the torah (see on Matt. 19:16). They rejected Jesus, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and tried to prevent others, such as the blind man ofch. 9, from accepting Him.