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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 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/10-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/43_Jhn_10_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 10:4 - Jesus the Good Shepherd" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. <a href="/nasb_/john/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/nasb/john/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/nasb77/john/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/lsb/john/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> When he brings all his own out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/amp/john/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call. <a href="/csb/john/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/hcsb/john/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. <a href="/asv/john/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. <a href="/cev/john/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. <a href="/erv/john/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. <a href="/gwt/john/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After he has brought out all his sheep, he walks ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. <a href="/gnt/john/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/isv/john/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he has driven out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. <a href="/msb/john/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When he has brought out his own sheep, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. <a href="/net/john/10.htm">NET Bible</a> When he has brought all his own sheep out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. <a href="/nheb/john/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. <a href="/wbt/john/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When he has brought out his own sheep--all of them--he walks at the head of them; and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/web/john/10.htm">World English Bible</a> Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and when he may put forth his own sheep, he goes on before them, and the sheep follow him, because they have known his voice; <a href="/blb/john/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> When he has brought out all the own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/ylt/john/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/john/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when he would put forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he hath let out his own sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/cpdv/john/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he has sent out his sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/nabre/john/10.htm">New American Bible</a> When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. <a href="/nrsvce/john/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when he has brought out his sheep, he goes before them; and his own sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when he has brought forth his flock, he goes before it and his own sheep go after him, because they know his voice.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when he puts his own sheep out, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. <a href="/godbey/john/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>When He may put out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: because they know his voice:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he bringeth out his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: because they know his voice. <a href="/mace/john/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a> when he lets out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: because they know his voice. <a href="/wey/john/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When he has brought out his own sheep--all of them--he walks at the head of them; and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. <a href="/worrell/john/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>When he drives out all his own, he goes on before them, and the sheep follow him; because they know his voice.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And when he bringeth forth his sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him; because they know his voice.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/10-4.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=3554" 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> …3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4<a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: Hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">When</a> <a href="/greek/1544.htm" title="1544: ekbalē (V-ASA-3S) -- To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.">he has brought out</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</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/4198.htm" title="4198: poreuetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To travel, journey, go, die. ">he goes on</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Prep) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">ahead of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them,</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.">his</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/190.htm" title="190: akolouthei (V-PIA-3S) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidasin (V-RIA-3P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">they know</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: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">voice.</a> 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize 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="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-3</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a> He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. <a href="/ezekiel/34-11.htm">Ezekiel 34:11-12</a> For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. <a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a> I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. <a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a> They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” <a href="/psalms/95-7.htm">Psalm 95:7</a> For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, <a href="/psalms/100-3.htm">Psalm 100:3</a> Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. <a href="/isaiah/43-1.htm">Isaiah 43:1</a> But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Isaiah 49:10</a> They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. <a href="/micah/2-12.htm">Micah 2:12-13</a> I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will collect the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in the midst of its pasture—a noisy throng. / One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a> When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12-14</a> What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. <a href="/matthew/25-32.htm">Matthew 25:32-33</a> 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/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-6</a> “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</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!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.he goeth.<a href="/john/12-26.htm">John 12:26</a> If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.<a href="/john/13-15.htm">John 13:15</a> For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.<a href="/john/14-2.htm">John 14:2,3</a> In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you… for.<a href="/john/10-8.htm">John 10:8,16</a> All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them… <a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a> He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.<a href="/john/18-37.htm">John 18:37</a> Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-28.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/john/1-43.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/10-2.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/john/8-10.htm">Head</a> <a href="/john/2-10.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-3.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/john/8-44.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/20-4.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/john/10-5.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/10-39.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/john/10-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/john/13-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/john/12-48.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/john/13-5.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/john/10-7.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-5.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/john/11-9.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Whenever</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>When he has brought out all his own This phrase refers to the shepherd leading his flock out of the sheepfold. In biblical times, shepherds would gather their sheep into a communal pen at night for protection. In the morning, each shepherd would call his sheep, and they would follow him out. This imagery highlights the personal relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, symbolizing Jesus' relationship with His followers. The phrase emphasizes the idea of ownership and care, as the shepherd knows each sheep individually. This reflects the intimate knowledge and care Jesus has for His followers, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23</a>, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd who leads and provides for His sheep.he goes on ahead of them The shepherd leading from the front is significant, as it demonstrates guidance and protection. In the ancient Near East, shepherds would lead their flocks to ensure they were safe from predators and to find good pasture. This leadership style contrasts with modern methods where sheep are often driven from behind. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, leads by example, going before His followers and preparing the way. This is reminiscent of God leading the Israelites through the wilderness in a pillar of cloud and fire (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21</a>). It underscores the trustworthiness and reliability of Jesus as a leader who does not abandon His flock.and his sheep follow him The sheep's response to the shepherd's leadership is one of trust and obedience. This reflects the expected response of believers to Jesus' call. In the cultural context, sheep are known for their ability to recognize their shepherd's voice and follow him, even amidst other flocks. This obedience is not out of compulsion but a natural response to the shepherd's care and guidance. The imagery here is a call to discipleship, where followers of Christ are expected to heed His teachings and follow His example, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a>, where Jesus calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him.because they know his voice The recognition of the shepherd's voice signifies a deep, personal relationship. In the biblical context, knowing the voice implies familiarity and trust. Sheep would not follow a stranger because they do not recognize his voice, highlighting the unique bond between the shepherd and his sheep. This is a metaphor for the spiritual discernment believers have, enabling them to distinguish the voice of Christ from false teachings. It echoes the promise in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33-34</a>, where God speaks of a new covenant where His people will know Him personally. This phrase emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The Good Shepherd who leads His sheep, representing His followers. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sheep.htm">Sheep</a> Symbolic of believers who recognize and follow the voice of Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shepherd.htm">Shepherd</a> A metaphor for Jesus, emphasizing His role as a leader and protector. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_fold.htm">The Fold</a> Represents the community of believers or the Church. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_voice.htm">The Voice</a> The teachings and guidance of Jesus, which His followers recognize and trust.<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 noise of the world. <a href="/topical/f/following_with_trust.htm">Following with Trust</a> Just as sheep trust their shepherd, Christians are encouraged to trust Jesus' guidance in their lives. <a href="/topical/c/community_of_believers.htm">Community of Believers</a> The imagery of the fold reminds us of the importance of being part of a community that follows Christ together. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_guidance.htm">Leadership and Guidance</a> Jesus exemplifies perfect leadership, and believers are to model their leadership after His example. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Developing the ability to distinguish Jesus' voice from false teachings is crucial for spiritual growth.<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/who_are_the_other_sheep.htm">Who are the other sheep not of this fold?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'naked_and_not_ashamed'_mean.htm">What does 'My sheep hear My voice' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_hearing_god.htm">What does the Bible say about hearing God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_be_god's_sheep.htm">What does it mean to be God's sheep?</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>(4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep.--The majority of the better MSS. add the word "all." The tense is past. We should read, therefore, when he has put forth all his own sheep. The addition is important as marking the care of the shepherd to count his flock and see that none is missing. The word "put forth" is stronger than "lead out," in the previous verse, and represents the details of the action as it took place in the sheepfold. The shepherd would call each sheep by name, and when it answered to its name would drag it outside the fold. Though it knew its shepherd, it would be unwilling to separate itself from the whole flock. One by one, then, he calls his sheep, and places them outside the fold.He goeth before them, and the sheep follow him.--This is one of the incidents in the management of an Eastern flock, which strikes all who see it for the first time, and is abundantly illustrated in books of Eastern travel. The details are here given with minute accuracy. When the last sheep has been brought out the shepherd places himself at their head, and the flock together follow him.For they know his voice.--The word is stronger than the one in <a href="/john/10-3.htm" title="To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.">John 10:3</a>, "and the sheep hear his voice." It expresses the familiar knowledge which the little flock has of the voice of their own shepherd who leads them day by day.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - In like manner, our Lord continues to describe what every true shepherd of men has done and ever will do: When he hath put forth all his own, and not another's, drawn them by the music of his voice, or constrained them by the sweet violence of his love, or even compelled them to go forth from a fold in which they may find security, but not pasture; and when he has marshaled them into obedience and into thankful trust by the strength of his sympathy and knowledge of their need, he goeth before them. He is their leader and example; he shows them in his own life the kind of provision made for them; he shares with them the perils of the wilderness, and first of all is prepared to grapple with their fierce foes, "He drinks of the brook in the way." The highest meaning, the only complete interpretation, of this passage is found when Christ himself is the Shepherd, who does summon from the old enclosure "all his own," all who have entered into living harmony with himself. And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. Nothing is here said of "lost sheep" or of "goats;" these are all the "ideal sheep" of the flock, individuals who recognize the voice of the true Leader, and discriminate their own shepherd from all others, whether pretenders to their affections or destroyers of their lives - wolves or butchers, thieves or robbers. Should we persist in interpreting the apologue as it stands, a question arises about the πρόβατα that are not the shepherd's" own." Some have answered it by supposing that the latter are the chief of his own flock, who will bring the rest after them. The truth is not obscurely hinted of that election to highest privileges and duties, which does not declare that the rest are not sheep at all. <a href="/commentaries/john/10-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>When Ὅταν (Hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. he has brought out ἐκβάλῃ (ekbalē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject. all πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [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. he goes on πορεύεται (poreuetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4198.htm">Strong's 4198: </a> To travel, journey, go, die. ahead of ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). them, αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Plural <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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [his] 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. follow ἀκολουθεῖ (akolouthei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. they know οἴδασιν (oidasin) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. 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. φωνὴν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/10-4.htm">John 10:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">NT Gospels: John 10:4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/10-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 10:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 10:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/10-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 10:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 10:5" /></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>