Devine Scripture

John 10:4

What does John 10:4 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:4 means

Once the shepherd has gathered his flock, he goes ahead of them. He does not drive them from behind with fear; he leads them, and they follow because they recognize his voice. This portrays leadership by example and presence. The sheep’s confidence rests not in their own wisdom but in the shepherd they trust. In Jesus’ ministry, He calls disciples to follow Him along a path He Himself walks—obedience born from relationship. The focus remains on recognition: His voice is the distinguishing mark. Where His voice is heard, there is clarity; where it is absent, confusion rises and following falters.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When he has got them all out, he goes before them, and the sheep go after him, for they have knowledge of his voice.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when his own sheep he may put forth, before them he goeth on, and the sheep follow him, because they have known his voice;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he hath let out his own sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When he has put forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.

Context

Having shown in verse 3 that the shepherd calls his sheep by name, verse 4 describes the movement that follows: the shepherd leads, the sheep follow. Verse 5 will contrast this with their response to a stranger’s voice. The cumulative picture highlights discernment—true sheep know whom to trust. This prepares for verse 6, where the listeners’ confusion shows they are not yet hearing rightly, which in turn prompts Jesus to identify Himself plainly as the door and then the Good Shepherd.

v.3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

v.4This passage

v.5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 6:20

    whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

  • Matthew 16:24

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

  • John 13:15

    For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.

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