When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights a specific detail: the shepherd doesn't just "lead out" his sheep, but "puts them forth," implying a gentle but firm coaxing, even a slight resistance, from the sheep to leave the security of the fold. This emphasizes the shepherd's diligent care, ensuring every single one of his flock is accounted for before he leads them into the open.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who try to infiltrate God's flock. He explains that a true shepherd enters through the proper "door" and his sheep recognize his voice, distinguishing him from outsiders. This passage, therefore, describes the intimate relationship and mutual recognition between Jesus and his followers, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on His divine identity and authority.
Jesus uses a vivid image of an Eastern shepherd, but what's the deeper meaning behind how he brings his sheep out?
In John 10:4, Jesus says the shepherd 'has brought out all his own sheep.' This isn't just a gentle invitation; the Greek word used here (ekballo) can imply a forceful pushing or casting out. Think about it – even sheep that belong to the shepherd sometimes need a bit of persuasion to leave the familiar fold, perhaps to enter new pastures or escape danger. This detail highlights the shepherd's persistent care and his determination to bring his flock to where they need to be, even if it requires a firm hand. It’s about purposeful guidance, not just passive presence.
Why is 'knowing the voice' so crucial for the sheep? It’s the key to security and obedience.
The reason the sheep follow is simple yet profound: 'for they know his voice.' This isn't just about recognizing a sound; it’s about intimate familiarity born from relationship. The Eastern shepherd would call his sheep, and they, in turn, knew his unique voice among countless others. This speaks to the deep connection Jesus desires with us. His true followers recognize His voice – the truth of His Word, the promptings of His Spirit – and distinguish it from the deceptive calls of strangers (false teachings, worldly distractions). This knowledge leads to willing obedience and trust.
The shepherd doesn't just call them out; he actively goes before them. What does this leadership look like?
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After bringing the sheep out, the shepherd 'goes before them.' This is a powerful image of leadership. It means he doesn't send his sheep into unknown or dangerous territory without him. He scouts ahead, finds the best pastures and water, and protects them from threats. For us, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd-Leader. He has already walked the path of suffering, death, and resurrection. He leads us by His example and His presence, ensuring we are not alone or unprotected as we navigate life's journey. His going before us is a promise of His constant companionship and guidance.
The imagery of the shepherd and sheep was deeply familiar in ancient Israel, evoking the intimate care God provided for His people. Jesus uses this to highlight His unique relationship with His followers, contrasting His loving guidance with the self-serving motives of the religious authorities who reject Him.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches in Jerusalem
Jesus delivers the parable of the Good Shepherd in Jerusalem, likely during His final year of ministry. The religious leaders are present and critical of His claims.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus Critiques Religious Leaders
Jesus directly challenges the authority and motives of the Pharisees and other religious leaders, calling them 'thieves and robbers' who do not enter by the true 'door.'
c. 30-33 AD
The Blind Man Healed and Rejected
Shortly before this teaching, Jesus healed a man born blind. The Pharisees, unable to refute Jesus' power, cast the healed man out of the synagogue, illustrating their rejection of those who follow Christ.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and rises from the dead, validating His claims as the Good Shepherd and the door to God's flock.
c. 33 AD onwards
The Early Church Grows
Following Jesus' ascension, His followers, the 'sheep,' begin to spread His message, guided by the Holy Spirit and the apostles, who rightly lead them to Christ.
This psalm beautifully echoes the imagery of the shepherd leading and caring for his sheep, highlighting the intimate knowledge and guidance God provides to those who belong to Him.
Isaiah 40:11This verse provides a powerful image of God's gentle, personal care as a shepherd, gathering the flock and carrying them, emphasizing the tender way He leads those who know Him.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This passage contrasts the poor care of false shepherds with God's promise to seek out His sheep and lead them, showing His deep commitment to His flock's well-being and safety.
John 10:27This verse directly connects to John 10:4, stating that Christ's sheep hear His voice and follow Him, reinforcing the idea of a unique relationship built on recognition and obedience.
1 Peter 2:25This verse uses the sheep and shepherd metaphor to describe believers as having gone astray but now returning to the Shepherd and Guardian of their souls, underscoring Christ's role in rescuing and guiding His people.
vincentJohn 10:4: "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
Putteth forth (ἐκβάλῃ)Rev., more strictly, hath put forth. Instead of leadeth out, in John 10:3. It implies a constraint; as if some of the sheep were unwilling to leave the fold. Meyer says that putteth forth pictures the manner of the leading out. He lays hold on the sheep and brings them out to the door.His own sheep (τὰ ἴδια πρόβατα)The best texts read πάντα…
calvinJohn 10:1-6: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."
- Verily, verily, I say to you, He who entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth by another way, is a thief and a robber. 2. But he who entereth by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3. To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4. And ha…
The text highlights a specific detail: the shepherd doesn't just "lead out" his sheep, but "puts them forth," implying a gentle but firm coaxing, even a slight resistance, from the sheep to leave the security of the fold. This emphasizes the shepherd's diligent care, ensuring every single one of his flock is accounted for before he leads them into the open.
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who try to infiltrate God's flock. He explains that a true shepherd enters through the proper "door" and his sheep recognize his voice, distinguishing him from outsiders. This passage, therefore, describes the intimate relationship and mutual recognition between Jesus and his followers, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on His divine identity and authority.
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who try to infiltrate God's flock. He explains that a true shepherd enters through the proper "door" and his sheep recognize his voice, distinguishing him from outsiders. This passage, therefore, describes the intimate relationship and mutual recognition between Jesus and his followers, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on His divine identity and authority.
"When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." — The text highlights a specific detail: the shepherd doesn't just "lead out" his sheep, but "puts them forth," implying a gentle but firm coaxing, even a slight resistance, from the sheep to leave the…
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Last reviewed October 2026