John 10 4

John 10:4 kjv

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

John 10:4 nkjv

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

John 10:4 niv

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:4 esv

When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

John 10:4 nlt

After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.

John 10 verses

John 10 4 Meaning

John 10:4 describes the unique and intimate relationship between the true Shepherd and His sheep. When the Shepherd (Jesus) has brought all His own sheep out of the sheepfold, He leads them by walking ahead, setting the path. The sheep, in turn, follow Him faithfully and without hesitation because they recognize and understand His distinct voice, establishing a bond of deep trust and discipleship.

John 10 4 Context

John 10:4 is part of Jesus' discourse on the Good Shepherd, delivered after His healing of the man born blind and subsequent confrontation with the Pharisees in John 9. The Pharisees, acting as self-appointed spiritual guides, had condemned the healed man and demonstrated spiritual blindness. This chapter introduces a contrast between these false, self-serving religious leaders (referred to as thieves and robbers in 10:1, 8, and hirelings in 10:12-13) and Jesus, the True Shepherd. The immediate context of John 10:1-5 sets up the imagery of a shepherd who knows his sheep by name, calls them, and leads them out of the common sheepfold. The original audience, accustomed to pastoral life and Old Testament imagery of God as Shepherd, would immediately grasp the profound implications of this teaching, especially as it critiqued the failures of their contemporary religious establishment. The Jewish sheepfold could hold multiple flocks, but each shepherd had his own distinct voice, and only his own sheep would respond.

John 10 4 Word analysis

• When: hotan (ὅταν). Not just a single event, but indicates a regular occurrence or characteristic action of the true Shepherd whenever His sheep need to be led. It speaks to a continuous ministry of guiding.

• He: Refers directly to "the shepherd" from John 10:2-3, whom Jesus immediately identifies with Himself in John 10:7 and 10:11. It underlines the exclusive identity of Jesus as the one true, legitimate leader of God's people.

• has brought out: ekbalē (ἐκβάλῃ). Implies not merely letting them wander, but actively leading them forth, a deliberate act of separation from a general gathering to a specific destination. This echoes the Exodus (God "brought out" Israel) and calls to a new, distinct relationship with Him, separating them from other influences or even from within a general religious system (the "fold").

• all: panta (πάντα). Emphasizes completeness. The true Shepherd does not leave any of His own behind; His care and intention extend to every single one of His genuine followers.

• his own: idia (ἴδια). Highlights the deeply personal and proprietary relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep. These are not just any sheep in the fold, but His particular, chosen ones. It denotes a special bond and belonging.

• he goes before them: emprosthen autōn poreuetai (ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν πορεύεται). Crucial for understanding ancient shepherding. The shepherd walks in front, leading the way, surveying dangers, and showing the path. He does not drive from behind like an oppressor. This demonstrates sacrificial, protective, and visionary leadership, where the leader assumes the greatest risk for the flock. It represents Jesus' willingness to lead through example, even to the cross (John 10:11, 15).

• the sheep follow him: akolouthei (ἀκολουθεῖ). Signifies not just walking behind, but discipleship, loyalty, and willing obedience. It's an active decision born of trust, not compulsion. This highlights the responsiveness of genuine believers to Christ's leadership.

• because they know his voice: hoti oidasi tēn phōnēn autou (ὅτι οἴδασι τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ). This is the foundation of their following. Oidasi implies an intimate, deep, experiential knowledge, not just casual recognition. It speaks to a relationship built on listening, discerning, and trusting the specific and unmistakable call of their shepherd. It also implies a learned recognition built over time and interaction.

• "When he has brought out all his own...": This phrase signifies the active work of Jesus in gathering His people and setting them apart. It speaks to an initial act of drawing them out from a general spiritual state or community to a personal relationship with Him, an election and calling.

• "...he goes before them, and the sheep follow him...": This group of words describes the active, personal, and trustworthy leadership of Jesus, contrasted with His followers' willing and recognizing obedience. It implies safety, direction, and mutual connection, showcasing Jesus as the paradigm of perfect spiritual leadership.

• "...because they know his voice.": This final phrase is the reason and evidence for the intimate connection. The discernment of the Shepherd's voice is the hallmark of true belonging and true discipleship, signifying spiritual awareness and an attuned ear to Christ's teachings above all others.

John 10 4 Bonus section

The concept of "knowing his voice" (oida) extends beyond mere recognition; it denotes an experiential, intimate understanding. This deep knowledge allows the sheep to distinguish Jesus' call from that of strangers or false shepherds (John 10:5, 8). It highlights a core aspect of spiritual discernment – the ability, given by the Spirit, to rightly hear and respond to Christ's truth amidst the myriad of competing claims and philosophies of the world. This relationship implies continuous, day-by-day communion and listening, leading to faithful obedience. The shepherd "bringing out" the sheep from the fold also echoes themes of divine election and sanctification – a chosen people called out from the world into a unique relationship with God.

John 10 4 Commentary

John 10:4 presents a profound illustration of authentic Christian discipleship. Jesus, as the ultimate Good Shepherd, exhibits proactive, personal, and protective leadership by always going before His sheep. This "leading from the front" means He walks the path He calls them to, facing dangers first, and demonstrating His way of life as worthy of emulation. The sheep, who are "His own" due to an intimate relationship, willingly and unerringly follow because they possess an inherent, spiritual recognition of His voice. This recognition stems from a deep bond and is born of faith and experience with Him, allowing them to discern His specific call from all other confusing or deceptive voices. This verse underscores that true followership is characterized not by force or blind allegiance, but by knowing Him intimately, trusting His guidance, and hearing His Word. It stands in stark contrast to spiritual leaders who may drive, exploit, or neglect their flock.