en_tn_condensed/jhn/10/08.md

Everyone who came before me

This refers to other teachers who have taught the people, including the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: "All of the teachers who came without my authority" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

a thief and a robber

These words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)