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.

To him {G5129} the porter {G2377} openeth {G455}; and {G2532} the sheep {G4263} hear {G191} his {G846} voice {G5456}: and {G2532} he calleth {G2564} his own {G2398} sheep {G4263} by {G2596} name {G3686}, and {G2532} leadeth {G1806} them {G846} out {G1806}.

This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name, and leads them out.

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.

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

Commentary on John 10:3 (KJV)

John 10:3 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' parable of the sheepfold, which illustrates the relationship between the true shepherd and his sheep, contrasting it with those who come to steal and destroy. This passage immediately follows Jesus' healing of the man born blind and His subsequent encounter with the Pharisees, whom He implies are blind guides (John 9). In this context, Jesus presents Himself as the embodiment of the true shepherd, offering life and guidance to His followers.

Context

This verse describes the actions of the true shepherd within the sheepfold. In ancient Israel, a sheepfold was often a pen or cave where multiple flocks might be gathered for the night, protected by a gatekeeper or "porter." The passage explains that the legitimate shepherd gains entry through the porter, and crucially, his sheep recognize and respond to his unique voice. This sets the stage for Jesus' later declarations about being the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, distinguishing Himself from mere hirelings or thieves.

Key Themes

  • Divine Recognition and Access: The "porter openeth" to the true shepherd, signifying divine approval and legitimate access. This suggests that Jesus' ministry and claim to leadership are sanctioned by God the Father.
  • Personal Relationship: The phrase "he calleth his own sheep by name" highlights the incredibly personal and intimate nature of the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. It's not a generic call to a flock, but a specific, individual summons. This underscores God's personal knowledge and care for each believer.
  • Obedience and Trust: "The sheep hear his voice" implies a deep level of recognition, trust, and willingness to follow. True followers of Christ recognize His authoritative and loving voice amidst many other voices in the world.
  • Divine Leadership and Guidance: The shepherd "leadeth them out" to pasture, symbolizing Jesus' role in guiding His followers to spiritual nourishment, safety, and purpose. This is a gentle, guiding leadership, not a forceful one.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "porter" is thyrōros (θυρωρός), meaning a gatekeeper or doorkeeper. This individual controls access to the sheepfold, ensuring only legitimate shepherds enter. The phrase "calleth his own sheep by name" (καλεῖ κατ’ ὄνομα, kalei kat’ onoma) is significant. It emphasizes a profound, individual knowledge and relationship. Shepherds in that culture truly knew each sheep, not just as part of a flock, but as a distinct individual, often with a unique name based on characteristics or affection. This contrasts sharply with the impersonal nature of thieves who might simply try to drive the sheep away.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 10:3 offers profound comfort and challenge. It assures us that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows us intimately and personally. He calls us by name, affirming our individual value and identity in Him. The challenge lies in our responsibility to "hear His voice." In a world filled with competing messages and distractions, discerning and responding to Christ's leading requires intentional listening through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as the sheep implicitly trust their shepherd, we are called to trust Jesus' leadership and follow Him, knowing He will always lead us to life and safety. This verse encourages a deep, abiding, and personal relationship with our Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 34:11

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

  • Ezekiel 34:16

    I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 78:52

    But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
← Back