John 10:5

Translations

Modern

But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

Traditional

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Literal

But they will never follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Latin

Alienum autem non sequuntur, sed fugiunt ab eo: quia non noverunt vocem alienorum.

Original

Greek

English

But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

Notes

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).

Theme notes and profiles

John’s Profile of Discipleship The Shepherd

Events

The Good Shepherd Teachingc. AD 29

Related verses

1 John 4:5–6
They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.
Colossians 2:6–10
Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,
1 Peter 2:1–3
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
Mark 4:24
He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.
Ephesians 4:11–15
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
Revelation 2:2
I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.
Proverbs 19:27
If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
1 Kings 22:7
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”
2 Timothy 3:5–7
…having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
1 John 2:21
I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth.
Luke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”
1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

John 10:5

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