John 10:4
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)
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The word for "putteth forth" actually carries a sense of carefully drawing each sheep out, even if it means a gentle compulsion, highlighting the shepherd's active, intimate work in bringing his flock out. This detail emphasizes that the shepherd doesn't just passively wait but actively engages with each individual sheep, knowing them by name and ensuring none are left behind. It reveals a deeper, more personal connection than a simple leading.
While Jesus says the shepherd "puts forth" his sheep, implying a gentle leading, the original Greek suggests a more active, even forceful, bringing out from the fold. This highlights the tender care required to gather God's flock, even when it means a firm hand to draw them from the security of the known into the adventure of following Him.
Ever feel like you're being pushed along, or like you're following someone who truly cares? Jesus describes a specific way the true shepherd leads.
Jesus paints a vivid picture here. The shepherd doesn't just herd the sheep from behind; He goes before them.
Leading the Way
Think about what this means practically. The shepherd goes ahead to scout for the best pastures, to find safe water, and to protect the flock from danger. He's not passively waiting for them to catch up; he's actively navigating and ensuring their well-being.
A Different Kind of Force
Interestingly, the word used for 'put forth' can imply a bit of gentle insistence. It's not a harsh expulsion, but a deliberate and careful guiding. Some sheep might be hesitant, needing a nudge to leave the safety of the fold, but the shepherd ensures all his own are brought out for their own good.
Why do sheep follow their shepherd, and why do they flee from strangers? It all comes down to recognition.
The core reason the sheep follow is simple yet profound: 'for they know his voice.' This isn't just about hearing; it's about deep familiarity and trust.
Beyond a Sound
'Knowing his voice' implies more than just recognizing a tone. It's understanding the shepherd's character, his intentions, and his care. The sheep have learned through experience that his voice means safety, provision, and guidance.
The Danger of Strangers
Conversely, the sheep instinctively shy away from a stranger's voice. This highlights a crucial spiritual truth: followers of Christ develop a discernment that recognizes false teachings or deceptive influences. They sense that a stranger's call leads to danger, not life.
This passage beautifully echoes the shepherd's intimate knowledge and care for his sheep, highlighting God's guidance and provision, which aligns with the sheep knowing and following the true shepherd's voice.
Isaiah 40:11This verse describes God as a shepherd who tenderly gathers and carries His flock, mirroring the deep personal care and intimate knowledge implied when the sheep recognize their shepherd's voice.
1 Samuel 17:34-36David's account of protecting his father's sheep from lions and bears shows the intense, personal responsibility a shepherd has for his flock, demonstrating the fierce protection and familiarity implied in John 10:4.
1 Peter 5:2-4This passage instructs elders to 'shepherd the flock of God,' emphasizing diligent care and leadership, which parallels Jesus' role as the true Shepherd who goes before His sheep and is known by them.
John 10:27This verse directly follows the passage and states, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' It reinforces the intimate relationship and mutual recognition described in John 10:4.
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 word for "putteth forth" actually carries a sense of carefully drawing each sheep out, even if it means a gentle compulsion, highlighting the shepherd's active, intimate work in bringing his flock out. This detail emphasizes that the shepherd doesn't just passively wait but actively engages with each individual sheep, knowing them by name and ensuring none are left behind. It reveals a deeper, more personal connection than a simple leading.
While Jesus says the shepherd "puts forth" his sheep, implying a gentle leading, the original Greek suggests a more active, even forceful, bringing out from the fold. This highlights the tender care required to gather God's flock, even when it means a firm hand to draw them from the security of the known into the adventure of following Him.
While Jesus says the shepherd "puts forth" his sheep, implying a gentle leading, the original Greek suggests a more active, even forceful, bringing out from the fold. This highlights the tender care required to gather God's flock, even when it means a firm hand to draw them from the security of the known into the adventure of following Him.
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"When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." — The word for "putteth forth" actually carries a sense of carefully drawing each sheep out, even if it means a gentle compulsion, highlighting the shepherd's active, intimate work in bringing his floc…
