John 10:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

My {G1699} sheep {G4263} hear {G191} my {G3450} voice {G5456}, and I {G2504} know {G1097} them {G846}, and {G2532} they follow {G190} me {G3427}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me,

Berean Standard Bible

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 10:27 presents a profound and tender declaration from Jesus, delineating the defining characteristics of His true followers and the intimate, reciprocal relationship He shares with them. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding authentic Christian discipleship, highlighting the essential elements of spiritual discernment, divine intimacy, and active obedience that mark those who truly belong to Christ, the Good Shepherd.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd in [John chapter 10](/john/10 "John 10 - The Good Shepherd"). Preceding this, Jesus has contrasted Himself with false shepherds and spiritual imposters, asserting His identity as the true, self-sacrificing Shepherd who lays down His life for His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The immediate context involves a challenge from the Jews, who demand a plain declaration of His Messiahship. Jesus responds by stating that they do not believe because they are not His sheep ([John 10:26](/john/10-26 "John 10:26 - Unbelief of those not His sheep")). Verse 27 then clarifies the distinguishing marks of "His sheep," emphasizing a relationship built on recognition, intimate knowledge, and responsive obedience, which naturally leads into the promise of eternal security in the subsequent verses ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Eternal Security of Believers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a shepherd and his flock was deeply resonant and profoundly significant in ancient Israelite culture. Shepherds were common figures, and their relationship with their sheep was often one of profound familiarity and care. Sheep recognized their shepherd's unique call, and the shepherd knew each sheep individually, often naming them and leading them to pasture and water. This intimate bond is alluded to earlier in the chapter, where Jesus describes the shepherd calling his own sheep by name and leading them out, with the sheep following because they know his voice ([John 10:3-4](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Shepherd's Call")). This cultural backdrop underscores the depth of the relationship Jesus describes with His followers, emphasizing trust, dependence, and personal connection in a way that would have been immediately understood by His audience.
* **Key Themes:** John 10:27 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine-Human Relationship**, portraying an intimate, personal bond between Jesus and His followers, characterized by mutual recognition and active engagement. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**, showing that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, responsive following of Christ's teachings and commands. This active obedience is a hallmark of genuine belief, as seen in other passages emphasizing the importance of keeping His word ([John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Love and Obedience")). Thirdly, it undergirds the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, as "hearing His voice" implies a spiritual capacity to recognize divine truth amidst competing voices, a concept crucial for navigating a world of diverse spiritual claims. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, it lays the groundwork for the theme of **Eternal Security**, which is immediately promised to those who exhibit these characteristics in the very next verses of the discourse ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "The Promise of Eternal Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, this word signifies more than mere auditory perception; it implies attentive listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, a responsive obedience. In the biblical context, to "hear" God's voice often means to heed, obey, and act upon what is heard. It denotes a spiritual receptivity that distinguishes true followers.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, this term denotes a deep, personal, experiential knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. It speaks to an intimate, relational understanding, akin to the knowledge shared within a covenant relationship. When Jesus says "I know them," it implies an intimate, caring, and comprehensive understanding of His sheep, encompassing their nature, needs, and destiny.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, this word literally means "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany." In a spiritual sense, it means to be a disciple, to imitate, to obey, and to walk in the footsteps of another. For believers, to "follow" Jesus means to align one's life with His teachings, example, and will, demonstrating active commitment and allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My sheep hear my voice,"**: This clause establishes the primary characteristic of Jesus' true followers: their spiritual capacity and willingness to discern and respond to His authoritative word. Just as literal sheep recognize their shepherd's unique call, believers are attuned to the truth of Christ amidst the clamor of the world. This "hearing" is not passive but implies an active, receptive heart that acknowledges Jesus' divine authority and truth.
* **"and I know them,"**: This second clause reveals the reciprocal and intimate nature of the relationship. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, possesses a profound, personal, and comprehensive knowledge of each of His sheep. This is not a superficial acquaintance but a deep, covenantal understanding, signifying His care, recognition, and affirmation of their identity as His own. This divine knowledge underpins their security and belonging.
* **"and they follow me:"**: The final clause describes the practical outcome and evidence of this relationship. Those who truly hear His voice and are known by Him will naturally respond with active obedience and discipleship. To "follow" Jesus means to walk in His ways, to obey His commands, and to align one's life with His example and will. It is the tangible manifestation of their faith and commitment, demonstrating their allegiance to their Shepherd.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Metaphor** and **Parallelism**. The central **Metaphor** is that of Jesus as the Shepherd and believers as His sheep. This imagery, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition (e.g., Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34), conveys themes of leadership, provision, protection, and intimate care. It highlights the vulnerability and dependence of the sheep on their shepherd, and the shepherd's loving authority and responsibility. The structure of the verse itself exhibits **Parallelism**, presenting three distinct yet interconnected actions/states: "My sheep hear my voice," "and I know them," "and they follow me." This tripartite structure emphasizes the reciprocal and dynamic nature of the relationship, moving from the sheep's discernment, to the Shepherd's intimate knowledge, and finally to the sheep's responsive obedience. The simple, declarative sentences contribute to the directness and profound clarity of Jesus' statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:27 is a foundational statement about the nature of the saving relationship between Christ and His people. It underscores that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, living connection characterized by spiritual discernment, divine intimacy, and active obedience. This verse highlights the profound security found in being known by God, and the responsibility of the believer to respond to His call. It speaks to the ongoing, personal communion that defines Christian life, where the Shepherd's voice guides, His knowledge assures, and the sheep's following demonstrates their belonging. This intimate bond is a testament to God's personal care and the believer's active commitment.

* [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")
* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Keeping Jesus' Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:27 offers both immense comfort and a profound challenge to every believer. The comfort lies in the assurance that the Good Shepherd knows each of His sheep intimately, a knowledge that transcends mere information and speaks to a deep, personal, and unwavering commitment. This divine recognition provides a profound sense of belonging, security, and personal value in God's eternal plan, especially in a world that often leaves us feeling unknown or insignificant. The challenge, however, is equally significant: are we truly His sheep? Do we actively cultivate the spiritual ears to discern His voice amidst the cacophony of competing messages from culture, self, and sin? And does our life demonstrate a consistent, active "following" of Him, translating our hearing and knowing into tangible obedience and discipleship? This verse calls us to a daily, intentional relationship with Christ, where listening to His Word and walking in His ways are the natural expressions of our identity as His beloved flock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I cultivate my ability to "hear" Jesus' voice in my daily life?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus "knows" me intimately impact my sense of identity, security, and worth?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to more fully demonstrate that I am actively "following" Christ?**
* **How can I better distinguish Jesus' voice from other voices that seek to lead me astray?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "My sheep hear my voice"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a spiritual discernment and responsiveness. It means that true believers possess a spiritual sensitivity that enables them to recognize, understand, and heed the teachings, commands, and guidance of Jesus Christ. It's not just about auditory perception but about a heart that is attuned to divine truth, distinguishing it from other voices or influences. This "hearing" leads to belief and obedience, setting them apart as His true followers.

**How does Jesus "know" His sheep? Is it just intellectual knowledge?**

Answer: The Greek word used for "know" (ginṓskō) implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual understanding. It speaks to an intimate, relational bond, similar to the knowledge shared within a family or a covenant relationship. When Jesus says "I know them," it means He has a profound, caring, and comprehensive understanding of each of His sheep—their nature, their needs, their struggles, and their ultimate destiny. This intimate knowledge assures His constant care and commitment to them.

**What is implied by "they follow me"?**

Answer: To "follow" Jesus means to be His disciple, to walk in His ways, to obey His commands, and to align one's life with His example and will. It signifies active commitment and allegiance. It's the practical outcome of hearing His voice and being known by Him. This following is not passive but involves a continuous journey of surrendering one's will to His, demonstrating love for Him by keeping His commandments, and imitating His character in daily life. It is the tangible evidence of true faith and belonging.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of the Good Shepherd. He is the unique and perfect Shepherd whose voice is the very **Word of God** made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). His incarnation allowed Him to speak to humanity directly, revealing the Father's will and calling His sheep into an intimate relationship. The "voice" His sheep hear is the gospel message, the call to repentance and faith, which He proclaimed throughout His earthly ministry ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")). Furthermore, Jesus' claim "I know them" is fulfilled in His divine omniscience and His redemptive work, where He intimately understands the human condition and offers salvation. His knowledge is not merely observational but relational, a knowledge gained through His empathetic identification with humanity as the great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Finally, "they follow me" points directly to the call of discipleship, which Jesus inaugurated and exemplified. He is the path, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life")), and to follow Him is to walk in the way of salvation and eternal life, a path made possible by His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, which empowers believers through the Holy Spirit to live lives of obedient faith ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, John 10:27 is a beautiful summary of the new covenant relationship established through Christ, the ultimate Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and leads them to eternal pastures ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

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

John 10:16

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.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

1 Corinthians 8:3

But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

John 10:3

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

John 10:4

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Hebrews 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,