John 10:3
What does John 10:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 10:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 10:3 means
The doorkeeper recognizes the shepherd’s right to enter, and the sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice. He calls them each by name, revealing intimate, individual care, and then leads them out to pasture. This emphasizes a shepherd’s gentle authority: he doesn’t coerce; he summons, and they willingly respond. For Jesus’ disciples, this pictures how He knows His people personally and guides them with a familiar voice. True spiritual leadership is marked by accessibility, trustworthiness, and patient guidance. The shepherd’s knowledge of the sheep precedes and enables their following, showing that salvation and discipleship begin with His initiative and attentive love.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The porter lets him in; and the sheep give ear to his voice; he says over the names of the sheep, and takes them out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to this one the doorkeeper doth open, and the sheep hear his voice, and his own sheep he doth call by name, and doth lead them forth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To him the porter openeth: and the sheep hear his voice. And he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
Context
Verse 3 unfolds the dynamics of legitimate leadership introduced in verses 1–2. The imagery now focuses on recognition: the gatekeeper affirms the shepherd, and the sheep respond to his distinctive call. Verses 4–5 will elaborate on this by showing how sheep follow the true shepherd and refuse strangers. When the audience fails to understand (verse 6), Jesus will clarify the figure by identifying Himself as both the door (verses 7–9) and the Good Shepherd (verse 11), drawing the implications for salvation, guidance, and safety.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 10:16
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.
- 1 Corinthians 16:9
for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
- Isaiah 42:16
And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.
- Jeremiah 31:8
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall they return hither.
- John 6:45
It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.
- John 10:26
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.
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