Keraia
John 10

John 10:4

Jesus the Good Shepherd · John 10:1–21
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Translations

Modern
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Traditional
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Literal
When he may bring out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Latin
Et cum proprias oves emiserit, ante eas vadit: et oves illum sequuntur, quia sciunt vocem ejus.

Interlinear

Greek
English
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Notes

John 10:4

A good shepherd goes ahead of the sheep and leads them. He does not force them from behind. When the sheep recognize his voice, they trust him and follow.

John 10:1–21

This illustration of a shepherd and his sheep comes from a Middle Eastern perspective of shepherding and Old Testament traditions in first-century AD Jewish culture. God was the shepherd of Israel (Genesis 49:24; Psalms 23; 78:52–53; Isaiah 40:10–11).

Spiritual and political leaders of Israel were also shepherds of God’s people, the flock of God (Isaiah 56:9–12; Jeremiah 23:1–4; Ezekiel 34).

Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Dedication (see John 10:22). At that time, people remembered both faithful and unfaithful leaders in Israel’s history.

In this setting, Jesus addressed the theme of shepherds. He spoke in a way that echoes Ezekiel 34, where God condemns bad shepherds and promises to care for his people himself. Jesus then identified himself as the good shepherd (John 10:11–14).

John 10:1–42

Chapter 10 continues the series of feast sermons (see study note on 5:1–10:42). Here, the setting is the Feast of Dedication. The timing of this feast is important for understanding the story (see study note on 10:22).

Events

Parallels

Psalm 23:1–6 Ezekiel 34:11–24

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ezekiel, Book of Herdsmen John, Gospel of Sheep Shepherd

Topics

Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice Character of Saints: Following Christ Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Compared To Saints: Sheep God: Guide Jesus, the Christ: Example, An Jesus, the Christ: Love of Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Good Shepherd Jesus, the Christ: Shepherd, Jesus the True: He Guides Jesus, the Christ: Teaches People (In Jerusalem) Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Righteous: Described Sheep of the Righteous Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Sagacious Shepherd of Christ Shepherd: Knows Each One of his Flock by Name the Shepherd Christ: His Sheep: He Guides Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to