John 10:5 kjv
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
John 10:5 nkjv
Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
John 10:5 niv
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."
John 10:5 esv
A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
John 10:5 nlt
They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."
John 10 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 10:1 | "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but... | John 10:1 (Parallel theme: Shepherd and sheep) |
| John 10:3 | "The eunuch opens it, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name..." | John 10:3 (Sheep recognize the shepherd's voice) |
| John 10:4 | "When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him..." | John 10:4 (Sheep follow the true shepherd) |
| John 10:27 | "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." | John 10:27 (Direct fulfillment of the concept) |
| Psalm 23:1 | "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." | Psalm 23:1 (Old Testament representation of God as Shepherd) |
| Psalm 23:4 | "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." | Psalm 23:4 (Protection by the shepherd) |
| Isaiah 40:11 | "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms..." | Isa 40:11 (God's care as a shepherd) |
| Jeremiah 13:17 | "If you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for such pride; my eyes will weep bitterly..." | Jer 13:17 (Consequences of not listening to God) |
| Jeremiah 23:4 | "I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more..." | Jer 23:4 (Promise of good shepherds) |
| Jeremiah 50:6 | "My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them aside..." | Jer 50:6 (False shepherds leading sheep astray) |
| Ezekiel 34:1 | "The word of the LORD came to me: 'Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel...'" | Eze 34:1 (Prophecy against false shepherds) |
| Ezekiel 34:2-4 | "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel... You have scattered my sheep..." | Eze 34:2-4 (Description of false shepherds) |
| Ezekiel 34:11-12 | "For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep..." | Eze 34:11-12 (God's active search for his sheep) |
| Matthew 7:15 | "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." | Matt 7:15 (Warning against deceptive individuals) |
| Matthew 12:30 | "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." | Matt 12:30 (Alignment with or against Christ) |
| Acts 20:28 | "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers..." | Acts 20:28 (Shepherds appointed by the Spirit) |
| Hebrews 13:20 | "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep..." | Heb 13:20 (Christ as the great shepherd) |
| 1 Peter 2:25 | "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." | 1 Pet 2:25 (Return to Christ as Shepherd) |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but willingly..." | 1 Pet 5:2 (Instruction to shepherds) |
| Revelation 7:17 | "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water..." | Rev 7:17 (Christ as shepherd in eternal state) |
John 10 verses
John 10 5 Meaning
This verse describes the distinct inability of strangers to be understood by sheep because the sheep do not recognize their voices. This signifies a fundamental separation between the true shepherd and false ones, and the sheep's innate ability to discern the genuine shepherd's call.
John 10 5 Context
Jesus is speaking in the tenth chapter of John, which is focused on His identity as the Good Shepherd. He contrasts Himself with the Pharisees who had previously cast out a blind man that Jesus healed. The Pharisees are acting like thieves and robbers, trying to steal the sheep rather than care for them. Jesus uses the analogy of a sheepfold and a shepherd to illustrate the spiritual relationship between Himself and His followers, and to expose the true nature of His opponents. The immediate context is Jesus explaining the unique access and intimate knowledge He has of His sheep, setting Himself apart from those who would exploit or harm them.
John 10 5 Word Analysis
- And: Connects this verse to the preceding descriptions of the shepherd’s relationship with his sheep.
- They: Refers to the sheep in the sheepfold.
- Will not: Emphasizes a deliberate and inherent refusal.
- Follow: Indicates obedience and adherence.
- A: Articles are not typically separate words in the same way as in English; "a stranger" functions as a singular entity.
- Stranger's: Designates someone alien or not known.
- Voice: Represents not just audible sound, but the distinct character and authority of the speaker.
- For: Indicates the reason for their refusal to follow.
- Voice: Reiteration, emphasizing the discerning quality of the sheep.
- They: Again, refers to the sheep.
- Do not: Reinforces the negative action.
- Know: Implies more than superficial acquaintance; it suggests intimate knowledge and recognition of character and authority.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "will not follow": This group highlights the sheep's discerning refusal and their inclination to obey only the familiar voice.
- "a stranger's voice": This phrase points to an unknown entity whose vocalization signifies a lack of belonging or trustworthiness.
- "they do not know": This group emphasizes the absence of familiar recognition and understanding in relation to the stranger's voice.
John 10 5 Bonus Section
The concept of "knowing" (Greek: oida) here signifies a deep, intuitive, and relational knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. It aligns with how Old Testament believers recognized God's voice and followed His commands. The contrast with a "stranger" (Greek: allotrios) is significant, pointing to anyone who operates outside God's ordained order and His Son’s authority, whether they be false prophets, deceptive teachers, or simply those who do not genuinely represent Christ's love and sacrifice. The sheepfold itself can be understood as the covenant community of believers, those who have been gathered and protected.
John 10 5 Commentary
Jesus establishes a vital distinction between Himself and any who would seek to lead or influence His sheep with ulterior motives. The sheep, by their very nature, are attuned to the specific vocal signature of their true shepherd. This signature is built on a foundation of love, protection, and intimate knowledge – qualities absent in a stranger. Strangers, by definition, lack this relational history; their voice carries no resonance of care, only an alien sound. This principle extends beyond the literal analogy; believers recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, Jesus, through His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it from deceptive teachings or false leaders who seek to mislead and exploit. This inherent discernment is a mark of genuine discipleship.