And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is already claiming ownership of people who aren't yet followers, declaring them as His "sheep" even before they hear His voice. This highlights that their future belief is not a matter of chance, but a certainty rooted in God's eternal plan and Christ's redemptive purpose.
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to a crowd, likely at the Feast of Dedication, after a heated discussion where the religious leaders have demanded he declare if he is the Messiah. He’s just described himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and gives his life for them, contrasting himself with the thieves and robbers who have tried to lead God’s people astray. He's explaining that his flock isn't limited to just the Jews present but includes others who will believe, ultimately forming one unified group under him.
Jesus speaks of 'other sheep' not of the current fold. What does this reveal about God's inclusive plan?
A Plan for All Nations
Jesus states, 'And I have other sheep that are not of this fold.' This wasn't just a passing thought; it was a profound declaration that His mission extended far beyond the Jewish people, who were considered the 'fold' at that time.
Not only does Jesus have other sheep, but He also declares, 'they will listen to my voice.' What makes His voice so compelling?
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The Power of the Shepherd's Voice
The promise that 'they will listen to my voice' isn't about coercion, but about the inherent authority and attraction of Jesus's call.
Understand the original words
probaton · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, sheep represent the people of God who recognize and follow His voice, often contrasting with the world. Here, it refers to both Jewish believers and the Gentiles whom Jesus will gather into His kingdom.
aulē · Greek Noun
A metaphor for a communal group or religious assembly. It signifies the covenant community under the guidance and protection of the Lord.
phōnē · Greek Noun
The primary method by which God communicates His will and His presence to His people; hearing the voice implies active obedience and recognition of the Shepherd's authority.
poimnē · Greek Noun
A collective group of believers. It signifies the unity of God's people under the singular leadership of Christ, transcending previous cultural or religious divisions.
poimēn · Greek Noun
One who leads, feeds, and protects the flock. In a theological context, this is a title for God and specifically for Christ, emphasizing His care, sacrifice, and sovereign rule over His people.
Jesus' words here look beyond the immediate context of his Jewish audience to a future where Gentiles, previously outside the 'fold' of Israel, will be gathered into one flock under His sole shepherding, a concept revolutionary to His listeners.
c. 2000 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God makes promises to Abraham, establishing a special covenant relationship with him and his descendants, which forms the basis of the 'fold' of Israel.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Law Given
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and gives them the Law at Mount Sinai, further defining their identity as His chosen people and distinct 'fold'.
c. 740 BC
Prophecy of Gentile Inclusion
Prophets like Isaiah foretell a future where nations beyond Israel will be drawn to God and worship Him, hinting at the breaking down of barriers.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, teaches and performs miracles, ultimately laying down his life for his sheep, including those not yet part of the Jewish fold.
c. AD 30-40
Early Church Expansion
Following Jesus' ascension, the gospel begins to spread beyond Jewish communities, incorporating Gentiles into the one flock through faith in Christ.
c. AD 40-60
Apostle Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul extensively travels, establishing churches among Gentile populations and emphasizing the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, breaking down the 'middle wall of partition'.
This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant 'seeing the travail of his soul' and being satisfied, which directly relates to Jesus' mission to bring in 'other sheep' and the certainty of their salvation.
Ezekiel 34:23This Old Testament passage prophesies a future Davidic shepherd who will care for the flock, directly paralleling Jesus' claim to be the one Shepherd over all His sheep, both Jewish and Gentile.
Ephesians 2:14-16This New Testament passage explains how Christ broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity and thus fulfilling the vision of 'one flock, one shepherd' by uniting different groups in Himself.
Galatians 3:28This verse declares that in Christ there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, all being one in Him, echoing John 10:16's promise of unity under one Shepherd, transcending ethnic and social divisions.
Acts 18:10Jesus' assurance to Paul that 'I have much people in this city' is a direct parallel to Jesus' statement here that He 'has other sheep,' showing His foreknowledge and purpose for Gentile inclusion in His flock.
barnesJohn 10:16: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
Other sheep - There are others who shall be members of my redeemed church. I have - This does not imply that they were then his friends, but that they would be. There were others whom it was his purpose and intention to call to the blessings of the gospel and salvation. The purpose was so sure, and the fact that they would believe…
calvinJohn 10:16-18: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
- And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. 17. On this account the Father loveth me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to la…
Jesus is already claiming ownership of people who aren't yet followers, declaring them as His "sheep" even before they hear His voice. This highlights that their future belief is not a matter of chance, but a certainty rooted in God's eternal plan and Christ's redemptive purpose.
Jesus is speaking to a crowd, likely at the Feast of Dedication, after a heated discussion where the religious leaders have demanded he declare if he is the Messiah. He’s just described himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and gives his life for them, contrasting himself with the thieves and robbers who have tried to lead God’s people astray. He's explaining that his flock isn't limited to just the Jews present but includes others who will believe, ultimately forming one unified group under him.
Jesus is speaking to a crowd, likely at the Feast of Dedication, after a heated discussion where the religious leaders have demanded he declare if he is the Messiah. He’s just described himself as the good shepherd who knows his sheep and gives his life for them, contrasting himself with the thieves and robbers who have tried to lead God’s people astray. He's explaining that his flock isn't limited to just the Jews present but includes others who will believe, ultimately forming one unified group under him.
"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." — Jesus is already claiming ownership of people who aren't yet followers, declaring them as His "sheep" even before they hear His voice. This highlights that their future belief is not a matter of chan…
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Last reviewed October 2026