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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/10-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/43_Jhn_10_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 10:3 - Jesus the Good Shepherd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. 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He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nlt/john/10.htm">New Living Translation</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/esv/john/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/bsb/john/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/blb/john/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls the own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/kjv/john/10.htm">King James Bible</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. <a href="/nkjv/john/10.htm">New King James Version</a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nasb_/john/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nasb/john/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nasb77/john/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. <a href="/lsb/john/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/amp/john/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture]. <a href="/csb/john/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/hcsb/john/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The doorkeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/asv/john/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. <a href="/erv/john/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. <a href="/gwt/john/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep respond to his voice. He calls his sheep by name and leads them out of the pen. <a href="/gnt/john/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out. <a href="/isv/john/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> It's to him the gatekeeper opens the gate, and it's his voice the sheep hear. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/msb/john/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/net/john/10.htm">NET Bible</a> The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nheb/john/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. <a href="/wbt/john/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. <a href="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To him the porter opens the door, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by their names and leads them out. <a href="/web/john/10.htm">World English Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep hear his voice, and his own sheep he calls by name, and leads them forth; <a href="/blb/john/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls the own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/ylt/john/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> to 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; <a href="/slt/john/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To him the guard of the door opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. <a href="/cpdv/john/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out. <a href="/nabre/john/10.htm">New American Bible</a> The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. <a href="/nrsvce/john/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> To him the door-keeper opens the door; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by their names and brings them out. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “To this one the gate keeper opens the gate and the flock hears his voice; he calls his sheep by their names and leads them out.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> To him the door-keeper opens; and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. <a href="/godbey/john/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear His voice: and he calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own peculiar sheep by name, and leadeth them forth. <a href="/mace/john/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the porter lets him in, and the sheep know his voice: he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out to pasture. <a href="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To him the porter opens the door, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by their names and leads them out. <a href="/worrell/john/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>To him the porter opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice; and He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/10-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=3544" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/10.htm">Jesus the Good Shepherd</a> …2But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/2377.htm" title="2377: thyrōros (N-NMS) -- A door-keeper, porter. From thura and ouros; a gate- warden.">gatekeeper</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: anoigei (V-PIA-3S) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">opens the gate</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">for him,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-NNP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouei (V-PIA-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">listen for</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēs (N-GFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">voice.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5455.htm" title="5455: phōnei (V-PIA-3S) -- From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.">He calls</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idia (Adj-ANP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">own</a> <a href="/greek/4263.htm" title="4263: probata (N-ANP) -- A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.">sheep</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">by</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-ANS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">name</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1806.htm" title="1806: exagei (V-PIA-3S) -- To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth.">leads them out.</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auta (PPro-AN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14-15</a> I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27-28</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. <a href="/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4-5</a> When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. / But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.” <a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a> “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29-34</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ... <a href="/john/5-25.htm">John 5:25</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. <a href="/john/6-37.htm">John 6:37-39</a> Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. / For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. / And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. <a href="/john/8-47.htm">John 8:47</a> Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” <a href="/john/17-6.htm">John 17:6</a> I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-34</a> When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ... <a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a> Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. <a href="/acts/2-39.htm">Acts 2:39</a> This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.the porter.<a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10-12</a> Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand… <a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">1 Corinthians 16:9</a> For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.<a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Colossians 4:3</a> Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:the sheep.<a href="/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4,16,26,27</a> And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice… <a href="/john/6-37.htm">John 6:37,45</a> All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out… <a href="/songs/8-13.htm">Song of Solomon 8:13</a> Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.and he.<a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14,27</a> I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine… <a href="/exodus/33-17.htm">Exodus 33:17</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.<a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Romans 8:30</a> Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.and leadeth.<a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">Psalm 23:2,3</a> He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters… <a href="/psalms/78-52.htm">Psalm 78:52,53</a> But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock… <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Psalm 80:1</a> To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/2-9.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/john/10-2.htm">Door</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Doorkeeper</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/john/9-35.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/10-2.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-21.htm">Gatekeeper</a> <a href="/john/9-31.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/luke/21-13.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/john/7-12.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Names</a> <a href="/john/9-32.htm">Open</a> <a href="/luke/2-23.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/luke/2-23.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/mark/13-34.htm">Porter</a> <a href="/john/10-2.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/7-37.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/hosea/9-8.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/11-28.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/john/10-7.htm">Door</a> <a href="/john/18-16.htm">Doorkeeper</a> <a href="/john/10-8.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/10-7.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Gatekeeper</a> <a href="/john/10-8.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/acts/13-11.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Leads</a> <a href="/acts/1-13.htm">Names</a> <a href="/john/10-21.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-26.htm">Porter</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Watchman</a><div class="vheading2">John 10</div>1. <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.</a> 19. <a href="/john/10-19.htm">Diverse opinions of him.</a> 23. <a href="/john/10-23.htm">He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;</a> 31. <a href="/john/10-31.htm">escapes the Jews;</a> 39. <a href="/john/10-39.htm">and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The gatekeeper opens the gate for him In the context of ancient Near Eastern shepherding practices, a gatekeeper was responsible for guarding the sheepfold, ensuring that only the rightful shepherd could enter. This imagery highlights the role of divine authority and order. The gatekeeper can be seen as a representation of God the Father, who grants Jesus, the Good Shepherd, access to His flock. This aligns with the biblical theme of Jesus being the only legitimate way to the Father (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The gatekeeper's role underscores the legitimacy and divine approval of Jesus' ministry.and the sheep listen for his voice Sheep are known for their ability to recognize the voice of their shepherd, distinguishing it from others. This phrase emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, who are attuned to His teachings and guidance. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the call for believers to discern and follow the voice of truth amidst the many voices in the world (1 <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4:1</a>). The ability to hear and respond to Jesus' voice is a mark of true discipleship.He calls his own sheep by name This phrase illustrates the personal and individual care Jesus has for each of His followers. In biblical times, shepherds often named their sheep, indicating a deep familiarity and bond. This personal calling signifies the intimate relationship Jesus desires with each believer, echoing the theme of God's personal knowledge and care for His people (<a href="/isaiah/43.htm">Isaiah 43:1</a>). It also reflects the prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah as a shepherd who knows His flock intimately (<a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-16</a>).and leads them out The act of leading the sheep out signifies guidance and provision. In the historical context, shepherds would lead their sheep to pastures for nourishment and safety. This imagery is a metaphor for Jesus leading His followers to spiritual sustenance and protection. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God as a shepherd leading His people, as seen in <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>. This leadership is not coercive but invitational, reflecting Jesus' role as a guide and protector who leads His followers to abundant life (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_gatekeeper.htm">The Gatekeeper</a> Represents God or the Holy Spirit, who opens the way for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to enter and lead His flock. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_shepherd.htm">The Shepherd</a> Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep personally and leads them with care and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sheep.htm">The Sheep</a> Believers who recognize and follow the voice of Jesus, indicating a personal relationship with Him. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sheepfold.htm">The Sheepfold</a> Symbolizes the community of believers or the Church, where the sheep are gathered and protected. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_voice.htm">The Voice</a> Represents the teachings and guidance of Jesus, which the sheep recognize and follow.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_shepherd's_voice.htm">Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice</a> Believers are called to discern and follow the voice of Jesus amidst the many voices in the world. This requires familiarity with His Word and a personal relationship with Him. <a href="/topical/p/personal_relationship_with_jesus.htm">Personal Relationship with Jesus</a> Jesus knows each of His sheep by name, indicating a personal and intimate relationship. Believers should cultivate this relationship through prayer, study, and obedience. <a href="/topical/g/guidance_and_leadership.htm">Guidance and Leadership</a> Jesus leads His sheep out, providing direction and purpose. Believers should seek His guidance in all aspects of life, trusting in His perfect plan. <a href="/topical/s/security_in_the_fold.htm">Security in the Fold</a> The sheepfold represents safety and community. Believers find security and fellowship within the Church, where they are nurtured and protected. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_the_call.htm">Responding to the Call</a> Just as the sheep respond to the Shepherd's call, believers are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call to follow Him, leading to abundant life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 10</a> <a href="/q/what_is_listening_prayer.htm">What is listening prayer?</a> <a href="/q/can_gay_individuals_enter_heaven.htm">How do I listen to God's guidance?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_adultery_ritual_in_numbers.htm">What does it mean to be God's sheep?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_bible's_canonicity.htm">What defines the Bible's canonicity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) To him the porter openeth.--The word "porter" is not, perhaps, misleading to many, but for the sake of the possible few, it may be noted that door-keeper is what is here meant. There is no further interpretation of what, in the spiritual fold, corresponds to the office of the porter, whereas the door and the shepherd are successively made the texts of fuller expositions of Christ's own work. We are not, therefore, to regard "the porter" as an essential part of the allegory (comp. <a href="/john/10-5.htm" title="And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.">John 10:5</a>), nor need we trouble ourselves with the various expositions which have been given of it. At the same time, we should not forget that the thought is one which impressed itself on the mind of St. Paul. At Ephesus "a great and effectual door was opened unto him" (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm" title="For a great door and effectual is opened to me, and there are many adversaries.">1Corinthians 16:9</a>); "when he came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel a door was opened unto him of the Lord" (<a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm" title="Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me of the Lord,">2Corinthians 2:12</a>); the Colossians are exhorted to pray that "a door of the word (the gospel) may be opened, to speak the mystery of Christ" (<a href="/colossians/4-3.htm" title=" With praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:">Colossians 4:3</a>); at the close of the first missionary journey he and Barnabas told how "God had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (<a href="/acts/14-27.htm" title="And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.">Acts 14:27</a>). We have St. Paul's authority, therefore, for understanding by the "door-keeper," if we are to interpret it here, the Holy Spirit, whose special work it is to determine who are shepherds and sheep, and to call each to the work and position given to him by God. We must be careful to note, with this interpretation, that St. Paul gives divine titles to Him who thus opens the door, lest, from the humble position of the porter in the material fold, we should be led to unworthy thoughts of Him who is "neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding."And the sheep hear his voice.--The reference is here to the whole of the sheep in the fold; they are all roused as they hear a shepherd's cry, which is the signal for their being led forth to the pastures. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - To him the porter openeth. The doorkeeper of the fold has been variously interpreted. Bengel and Hengstenberg say, "God himself" is meant; Stier, Alford, and Lange, "the Holy Spirit;" against which interpretations may be urged the subordinate position assigned to the "porter," as compared with the shepherds themselves. Lampe and Godet think that "John the Baptist" was intended; while Meyer and De Wette say that it is one of those elements of the parable which is dropped out of our Lord's own exposition for which we need not seek any special application. Westcott thinks it must vary with the special sense attributed to "sheep" and "shepherd," and float we must think of it as "the Spirit working through his appointed ministers in each case." The "doorkeeper," if Christ be himself the "Door," is the keeper of that door - the agency, the ministry, the ordinances by which the excellences and power of Christ were or are manifested. We are reminded of subsequent use of the imagery in Paul's Epistles (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">1 Corinthians 16:9</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/2-12.htm">2 Corinthians 2:12</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Colossians 4:3</a>; cf. <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Acts 14:27</a>); but the full meaning of the phrase is only suggested, and we had better wait for Christ's interpretation of some parts of this allegory. The context provides a specific filling out, first of one part of the imagery, and secondly of another part of it. The two interpretations are not to be forced at one and the same time upon the parable. Our Lord continues: And the sheep hear his voice. When a shepherd approaches the door to fetch the folded sheep which belong to him, the porter opens that door for him i.e. a true shepherd who has at heart the interests of the sheep and of their supreme Owner, finds the way made ready for him. In the fold are many flocks. All the sheep give heed to his voice. He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. They know a shepherd calls, and then that shepherd addresses his own sheep by name, and he leads these forth into the pasture. Even in our own pastures the shepherds know each sheep by name. Aristotle ('Hist. Anim.,' 6:19) tells us the bell-wether knew his name, and obeyed his shepherd. Archdeacon Watkins gives a quotation from Theocritus' 'Idylls,' charmingly illustrating the habit. The shepherd, by the mere call to his own sheep, would separate them from these which did not belong to him, and lead them forth to their pasture in the wilderness. This method of Oriental life illustrates the function of all true shepherds of men. It has had many partial fulfillments in the history of the Church and of the world. Daring the period of the old theocratic dispensation, many "thieves and robbers" made havoc of the flock; still there were prophetic and kingly men who, sent by God, found their way to the heart of Israel; many came to know that a prophet had been among them, and they followed him. It is equally true now, though all the external conditions are changed. The full application of this part of the allegory is only seen when "the good Shepherd" seeketh his sheep; but the meaning of the first picture is obscured by hurrying on to the enlarged and double exposition which Christ gave of the two parts of his own parable, and much is lost by endeavoring to force into a primary exposition of vers. 1-6 the features borrowed from a twofold interpretation of the separate ideas suggested by the composite image. <a href="/commentaries/john/10-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gatekeeper θυρωρὸς (thyrōros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2377.htm">Strong's 2377: </a> A door-keeper, porter. From thura and ouros; a gate- warden. opens [the gate] ἀνοίγει (anoigei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. for him, τούτῳ (toutō) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sheep πρόβατα (probata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. listen for ἀκούει (akouei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. voice. φωνῆς (phōnēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. He calls φωνεῖ (phōnei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5455.htm">Strong's 5455: </a> From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation. [his] τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. own ἴδια (idia) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. sheep πρόβατα (probata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4263.htm">Strong's 4263: </a> A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep. by κατ’ (kat’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). name ὄνομα (onoma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. leads them out. ἐξάγει (exagei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1806.htm">Strong's 1806: </a> To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">NT Gospels: John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/10-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 10:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 10:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/10-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 10:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 10:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>