John 10:26
What does John 10:26 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:26 means
The reason for their unbelief is sobering: “ye are not of my sheep.” Jesus locates the issue in identity and relationship, not mere argument. His sheep respond to His voice; those who reject Him reveal they do not belong to Him. This does not deny responsibility but unveils the mystery of divine election and human response often seen in John. Sheepness precedes hearing; belonging yields believing. The verse humbles pride and banishes presumption, while inviting self-examination: Do we hear and follow? Those who do are shown to be His; those who refuse manifest their estrangement from the Shepherd.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you have no belief because you are not of my sheep.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but ye do not believe, for ye are not of my sheep,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but ye do not believe, for ye are not of my sheep, as I told you.
Context
Building on verse 25’s appeal to works, Jesus diagnoses unbelief in verse 26: they are not of His sheep. This sets up the beautiful description of His sheep in verse 27 and the strong promises of eternal life and security in verses 28–29. The movement contrasts obstinate rejection with receptive faith, highlighting both the Shepherd’s intimate knowledge and His preserving power, before reaching the bold claim of unity with the Father in verse 30.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
- John 6:37
All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
- Romans 11:7
What then? That which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened:
- John 10:4
When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
- John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day.
- John 6:65
And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 10
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 10.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Deity of Christ
The Bible consistently reveals Jesus Christ as truly God, possessing divine attributes, titles, and authority.
Topic
Bible Verses About Eternal Life
Eternal life, a gift from God, is knowing Him and Jesus Christ, and living forever in His presence.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Doubting Your Salvation
Quiet, grounded scripture for the nights you wonder if you're really saved.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.