John 10:16

KJV

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} other {G243} sheep {G4263} I have {G2192}, which {G3739} are {G2076} not {G3756} of {G1537} this {G5026} fold {G833}: them also {G2548} I {G3165} must {G1163} bring {G71}, and {G2532} they shall hear {G191} my {G3450} voice {G5456}; and {G2532} there shall be {G1096} one {G3391} fold {G4167}, and one {G1520} shepherd {G4166}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:16 is a profound declaration by Jesus, revealing the expansive and inclusive nature of His redemptive mission. It prophesies the future gathering of all His chosen followers, both Jewish and Gentile, into a single, unified spiritual community. This unification is accomplished solely through His divine initiative and their obedient response to His authoritative voice, culminating in one universal flock under His singular, supreme leadership as the Good Shepherd.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). Preceding this verse, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds and thieves who seek to harm the sheep, emphasizing His unique relationship with His flock—He knows His sheep, calls them by name, leads them, and lays down His life for them ([John 10:1-15](/john/10-1-15 "John 10:1-15 - The Good Shepherd's Care")). Verse 16 serves as a pivotal expansion of this imagery, moving beyond the immediate Jewish context to a broader, universal application of His shepherding role. It immediately precedes Jesus' further affirmation of His authority and unity with the Father ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus' Authority to Lay Down His Life")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a shepherd and his flock was deeply familiar and significant in ancient Israel. Shepherds were vital figures, responsible for the protection, provision, and guidance of their sheep, often leading them to pasture and water, and defending them from predators. A "fold" (Greek: *aulē*) was a common enclosure, often a communal pen where multiple flocks might be gathered overnight for safety, with a single gatekeeper. Each flock, however, still belonged to its own shepherd. In the Old Testament, God Himself is often portrayed as the Shepherd of Israel ([Psalm 23](/psalms/23 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - God's Judgment on the Shepherds of Israel")), and kings were expected to act as shepherds of their people. In this context, "this fold" would have been readily understood by Jesus' Jewish audience as referring to the nation of Israel, the covenant people of God. The "other sheep" would therefore signify those outside this existing covenant community—the Gentiles.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the **universal scope of God's salvation**, demonstrating that His redemptive plan was never exclusively for Israel but designed to encompass all peoples who would respond to His call. This verse also highlights the **unity of the church**, foretelling a future where ethnic and social barriers are transcended, bringing diverse believers into a single, unified spiritual family under Christ's headship. Furthermore, it emphasizes **Christ's divine initiative and authority** in salvation, as He declares, "them also I must bring," asserting His sovereign role in gathering His elect. Finally, the phrase "they shall hear my voice" speaks to the theme of **responsive faith and obedience**, where true followers recognize and submit to the authoritative teaching and leading of their divine Shepherd, echoing themes found elsewhere in the discourse, such as [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This word signifies divine necessity or obligation. When Jesus states, "them also I *must* bring," it emphasizes that the gathering of the "other sheep" is not an optional endeavor but a divinely ordained and essential part of His messianic mission. It highlights the sovereign will of God the Father, which Jesus is bound to fulfill.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This term means to perceive sound, but in a biblical context, especially when referring to God's voice, it implies more than mere auditory perception. It includes understanding, heeding, and obeying. The "other sheep" will not just hear Jesus' voice physically, but they will recognize its authority, respond in faith, and follow His leading, demonstrating a deep spiritual connection.
* **shepherd (Greek, _poimḗn'_):** This word refers to one who tends sheep, but it is also used figuratively for a leader, protector, and provider. By declaring there will be "one shepherd," Jesus unequivocally identifies Himself as the singular, ultimate, and supreme leader of this unified, universal flock. He is the one who guides, nourishes, defends, and cares for all His followers, regardless of their origin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:"** Jesus identifies His existing followers, primarily Jewish believers, as belonging to "this fold" (referring to the Jewish covenant community, typically represented by an *aulē* or sheep-pen). The crucial addition of "other sheep" explicitly points to those outside this initial group, understood biblically as the Gentiles, whom God has also purposed to call into His kingdom.
* **"them also I must bring,"** This clause underscores Jesus' divine initiative and the imperative nature of His mission. The word "must" (Greek: *deî*) indicates a divine necessity, not a human choice. Jesus Himself, by His own sovereign power and purpose, will actively gather these "other sheep," demonstrating that their inclusion is a direct result of His redemptive work.
* **"and they shall hear my voice;"** This highlights the active and responsive element of faith. Just as literal sheep instinctively recognize and respond to their shepherd's distinct call, so too will these "other sheep" recognize Jesus' authoritative teaching and divine call. Their hearing is not passive but leads to understanding, belief, and obedient following.
* **"and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd."** This climactic declaration reveals the ultimate outcome of Jesus' mission. The "one fold" (Greek: *poímnē*, meaning a flock or community, distinct from the *aulē* or physical pen) signifies a single, unified spiritual community—the church—comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. This diverse yet unified flock will exist under the exclusive authority and care of "one shepherd," Jesus Christ, emphasizing His singular headship over all believers.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:16 is rich in literary devices that enhance its meaning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus consistently portrays Himself as the "Shepherd" and His followers as "sheep." This extended metaphor effectively conveys His role as protector, guide, provider, and leader, while highlighting the dependence and obedience of His disciples. The verse also functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling the future expansion of God's people beyond ethnic Israel to include Gentiles, a central theme of the New Testament. There is an implicit **Contrast** initially between "this fold" (the Jewish people) and "other sheep" (Gentiles), which is then resolved into a powerful statement of **Unity** ("one fold, one shepherd"), demonstrating the breaking down of dividing walls. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the "fold" representing the covenant community and the "shepherd" symbolizing divine authority and care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:16 is a foundational text for understanding the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the nature of the church. It unequivocally declares that God's salvation is not limited to one ethnic group but extends to all who respond to Christ's call. This truth shatters any notion of exclusivity or favoritism, revealing a God who desires to gather people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His family. The vision of "one fold, and one shepherd" anticipates the unified body of Christ, where believers from diverse backgrounds are brought together by the cross, transcending all human-made divisions and finding their common identity and purpose in their shared allegiance to Jesus. This theological reality undergirds the church's global mission and its call to unity in diversity.

* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Has Broken Down the Dividing Wall")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")
* [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Shall Be a House of Prayer for All Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:16 carries profound implications for believers today, challenging and inspiring us in our faith and practice. Firstly, it calls us to embrace and celebrate the beautiful diversity within the global Church, recognizing that every believer, regardless of background, is equally a part of the "one fold" under the "one shepherd." This should compel us to actively dismantle any lingering prejudices, tribalism, or divisions within our local congregations and across denominations, striving for genuine unity in Christ. Secondly, the verse serves as a powerful mandate for global evangelism and missions. Just as Jesus declared His necessity to "bring" other sheep, we, His followers, are commissioned to participate in this divine gathering, sharing the Gospel with those who have not yet heard His voice, knowing that He desires all to come to Him. Finally, for individual believers, it reinforces the vital importance of cultivating a sensitive and obedient ear to the Shepherd's voice, discerning His leading through His Word and the Holy Spirit, and faithfully following Him in every aspect of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of "one fold, and one shepherd" challenge any exclusive or divisive tendencies within the Christian community you are a part of?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to the unity of the global Church, embracing believers from different cultures and backgrounds?**
* **What steps can you take to better "hear" and obey the voice of Jesus, your Shepherd, in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "other sheep" Jesus refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "other sheep" Jesus refers to are widely understood to be the Gentiles, meaning all people groups who were not part of the covenant nation of Israel. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus primarily focused on "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), but He consistently hinted at the broader, universal scope of His mission. This verse explicitly declares His intention to gather those outside the Jewish "fold," bringing them into a unified spiritual family under His leadership. The fulfillment of this prophecy is vividly seen in the Book of Acts, where the Gospel rapidly spread beyond Jerusalem to Samaria and the ends of the earth, welcoming believers from every ethnic background into the burgeoning church ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"), [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. He is not merely a shepherd but *the* one shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The "bringing" of the "other sheep" is accomplished through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, which broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). Through His sacrifice, Christ reconciles all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), gathering a diverse flock from every nation, tribe, people, and language into His body, the Church, which is the "one fold" He envisioned. As the "great Shepherd of the sheep" ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd of the Sheep")), Jesus continues to call, lead, and unify His global flock by His Spirit and His Word, ensuring that all who hear His voice will indeed belong to Him, culminating in the glorious vision of a multitude no one can count, standing before the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 56:8

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

John 11:52

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.