John 10:5
A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the sheep don't just not follow strangers, they actively flee from them. This isn't passive avoidance but a reaction of alarm and self-preservation because the voice of a stranger is intrinsically linked to danger, not guidance. It reveals a profound sensitivity in God's people to discern between the voice of their true Shepherd and the alarming, unfamiliar sounds of those who seek to lead them astray.
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who seek to exploit the sheepfold, explaining that His followers recognize His voice and will not be led astray by others. This statement builds directly on His assertion that He is the only true way into the sheepfold, and that those who don't enter by Him are imposters. The immediate result of this discernment is that His sheep will flee from any stranger, because they can't recognize or trust their voices.
Why would sheep instinctively flee from one person and follow another? It all comes down to the voice they recognize.
Jesus uses the vivid imagery of sheep and shepherds to teach us about discerning spiritual leaders.
Recognizing the Shepherd
This isn't just about physical sheep; it's about our spiritual lives. We are called to listen to the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and to be wary of voices that lead us astray.
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It’s not just about not following; it’s about an active rejection. Why the immediate flight?
The sheep's reaction to a stranger isn't neutral; it's one of alarm and flight. This highlights a deep, God-given instinct within true believers.
Why the Flight?
Understand the original words
allotrios · Greek Adjective
One who is outside the covenant or unauthorized, lacking the relationship and authority to lead the flock. Represents false teachers, idols, or worldly systems that distract from Christ.
This passage shows David being known for his skill with music and his character, suggesting a familiar and trustworthy 'voice' that people recognize and respond to, much like the sheep recognizing their shepherd.
Psalm 23:1-4The imagery of the Lord as a shepherd who leads and guides his flock directly parallels Jesus' teaching here, emphasizing the intimate knowledge and care a true shepherd has for his sheep.
Jeremiah 23:1-4This prophetic passage condemns shepherds who lead their flocks astray, highlighting the danger of false leaders and the scattering of sheep, which directly contrasts with the true shepherd who protects and gathers.
1 Peter 2:25This verse calls believers the sheep of Christ's pasture, reinforcing the metaphor used in John 10 and emphasizing Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, who guides us and is known by us.
Hebrews 13:20This verse refers to Jesus as the 'great shepherd of the sheep' and speaks of his 'blood of the eternal covenant,' connecting the idea of the shepherd's care with the ultimate sacrifice that sets His sheep apart and secures them.
barnesJohn 10:5: "And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
A stranger ... - This was literally true of a flock. Accustomed to the voice and presence of a kind shepherd, they would not regard the command of a stranger. It is also true spiritually. Jesus by this indicates that the true people of God will not follow false teachers - those who are proud, haughty, and self-seeking, as were the Pharisees. Many may follow such, but humble and de…
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 verse highlights that the sheep don't just not follow strangers, they actively flee from them. This isn't passive avoidance but a reaction of alarm and self-preservation because the voice of a stranger is intrinsically linked to danger, not guidance. It reveals a profound sensitivity in God's people to discern between the voice of their true Shepherd and the alarming, unfamiliar sounds of those who seek to lead them astray.
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who seek to exploit the sheepfold, explaining that His followers recognize His voice and will not be led astray by others. This statement builds directly on His assertion that He is the only true way into the sheepfold, and that those who don't enter by Him are imposters. The immediate result of this discernment is that His sheep will flee from any stranger, because they can't recognize or trust their voices.
Jesus is contrasting true shepherds with thieves and robbers who seek to exploit the sheepfold, explaining that His followers recognize His voice and will not be led astray by others. This statement builds directly on His assertion that He is the only true way into the sheepfold, and that those who don't enter by Him are imposters. The immediate result of this discernment is that His sheep will flee from any stranger, because they can't recognize or trust their voices.
"A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”" — The verse highlights that the sheep don't just not follow strangers, they actively flee from them. This isn't passive avoidance but a reaction of alarm and self-preservation because the voice of…
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