Devine Scripture

John 10:6

What does John 10:6 mean?

A plain-English look at John 10:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 10:6 means

Though the imagery is common, the meaning escapes Jesus’ hearers. Their inability to grasp the parable exposes more than intellectual slowness; it reflects spiritual dullness. The shepherd motif demands a verdict about who truly leads God’s people. Those resistant to Jesus in chapter 9 have shown themselves to act like thieves and hirelings; now, they cannot decode a figure that would unmask them. Jesus’ parables often both reveal and conceal: receptive hearts are enlightened, hardened hearts are confirmed. This misunderstanding prompts Jesus’ gracious clarity, moving from poetic picture to direct claims that compel either faith or rejection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In this Jesus was teaching them in the form of a story: but what he said was not clear to them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

This similitude spake Jesus to them, and they knew not what the things were that he was speaking to them;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

This proverb Jesus spoke to them. But they understood not what he spoke.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

This allegory spoke Jesus to them, but they did not know what it was [of] which he spoke to them.

Context

The first five verses laid out a vivid scene of proper and improper access to the flock, recognition of the shepherd’s voice, and refusal of strangers. Verse 6 marks a turning point: the audience does not understand. This narrative note justifies Jesus’ forthcoming explanation in verses 7–10, where He identifies Himself as the door, and then in verses 11–18, where He claims to be the Good Shepherd. The shift from parable to explicit self-revelation increases the confrontation with the religious leaders and clarifies the path of salvation for the sheep.

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

v.6This passage

v.7Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Cross references

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

  • John 16:25

    These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.

  • Matthew 13:51

    Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.

  • Isaiah 6:9

    And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

  • Psalms 106:7

    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy lovingkindnesses, But were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.

  • John 7:36

    What is this word that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me; and where I am, ye cannot come?

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

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