John 10:26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

But {G235} ye {G5210} believe {G4100} not {G3756}, because {G1063} ye are {G2075} not {G3756} of {G1537} my {G1699} sheep {G4263}, as {G2531} I said {G2036} unto you {G5213}.

but the reason you don’t trust is that you are not included among my sheep.

But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe.

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.

Commentary

Commentary on John 10:26 (KJV)

John 10:26 is a pivotal statement within Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd, delivered during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem. Here, Jesus directly confronts the unbelief of the Jewish leaders and others who questioned His identity and authority.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a larger exchange where the Jews pressed Jesus, saying, "How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly" (John 10:24). Jesus' response in verse 26 explains their inability to believe Him. The imagery of the shepherd and his sheep was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, where pastoral life was common and leaders were often compared to shepherds. Jesus had already described Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, emphasizing a personal, intimate relationship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Unbelief: Jesus clarifies that their unbelief is not due to a lack of evidence or clarity in His words, but because they are "not of my sheep." This implies that their spiritual disposition prevents them from recognizing and accepting Him.
  • Divine Relationship: True belief stems from being in a relationship with Christ, akin to a sheep belonging to its shepherd. Those who are "His sheep" naturally hear and respond to His voice (John 10:27) and are known by Him (John 10:14).
  • Spiritual Discernment: The verse highlights that spiritual truths are discerned by those who are spiritually aligned with God. Just as sheep recognize their shepherd's voice, those who belong to Christ recognize His truth. This echoes Jesus' earlier statement in John 8:47: "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ye believe not" comes from the Greek ou pisteuete (οὐ πιστεύετε), which is in the present tense, indicating a continuous state of unbelief. It's not just a momentary doubt, but a persistent lack of faith. The term "my sheep" (τῶν προβάτων μου - tōn probatōn mou) emphasizes a profound sense of ownership and intimate belonging, contrasting sharply with those who are outside His fold.

Practical Application

This verse prompts self-reflection: Am I truly one of Christ's sheep? For those who believe, it offers assurance of their relationship with Jesus, knowing that He knows His own. For those who struggle with belief, it points to the necessity of a spiritual heart change and a willingness to respond to Jesus' call. It reminds us that our ability to understand and accept spiritual truth often depends on our spiritual posture and our relationship with the Good Shepherd. To be "of His sheep" means to hear His voice, follow His leading, and trust in His provision for eternal life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 8:47

    He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • John 6:37

    All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • John 6:44

    No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • John 6:45

    It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
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