John 10:5

KJV

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} a stranger {G245} will they {G190} not {G3364} follow {G190}, but {G235} will flee {G5343} from {G575} him {G846}: for {G3754} they know {G1492} not {G3756} the voice {G5456} of strangers {G245}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.”

Berean Standard Bible

But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

American Standard Version

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the rich tapestry of the Good Shepherd discourse, John 10:5 unveils a profound truth about the relationship between the true Shepherd and His sheep: they instinctively reject and flee from the voice of a stranger because they do not recognize it. This verse highlights the spiritual discernment inherent in genuine followers of Christ, emphasizing their intimate familiarity with His authentic voice and their necessary aversion to any unauthorized or deceptive influence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 10:5 is an integral part of Jesus' extended discourse on the Good Shepherd, which begins in [John 10:1](/john/10-1 "John 10 - The Parable of the Good Shepherd"). Preceding this verse, Jesus introduces the metaphor of the sheepfold, distinguishing between the true shepherd who enters by the door and the thieves and robbers who climb in by other means ([John 10:1-2](/john/10-1-2 "John 10:1-2 - The Shepherd and the Thieves")). He then elaborates on the intimate bond, explaining that the gatekeeper opens to the true shepherd, who calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. The sheep follow him because they know his voice ([John 10:3-4](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Shepherd Calls His Sheep")). Verse 5 serves as the negative corollary to this positive assertion, reinforcing the sheep's absolute loyalty and discernment by contrasting their response to the true shepherd with their reaction to a stranger. This sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent declaration of Himself as the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a shepherd and his flock was deeply familiar and resonant in ancient Israel, an agrarian society where sheep husbandry was a primary occupation. Shepherds were intimately involved in the lives of their sheep, leading them to pasture, protecting them from predators, and knowing each one individually. Unlike modern practices, sheep in ancient Palestine were often kept in communal folds at night, and in the morning, each shepherd would call his own sheep out from the mixed flock, and they would respond only to his distinct call. This deep, personal bond between shepherd and sheep, built on trust and consistent interaction, forms the bedrock of Jesus' parable. The concept of a "stranger" would immediately evoke someone unauthorized, potentially a thief or a predator, whose presence would signal danger and elicit an immediate defensive reaction from the flock.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, highlighting the ability of true believers to distinguish between genuine divine truth and deceptive falsehoods. Just as literal sheep instinctively avoid those who are not their shepherd, true followers of Christ are equipped to recognize and reject teachings or leadership that do not originate from Him. This discernment is rooted in an intimate knowledge of the Shepherd's voice, a concept Jesus elaborates on later when He states, "[My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")". Secondly, it emphasizes the **Rejection of False Authority**, portraying "strangers" as metaphorical representations of false teachers, spiritual impostors, or those who seek to lead people astray for their own gain. The sheep's action to "flee from him" signifies a necessary and active spiritual separation from deceptive influences, a warning echoed throughout the New Testament against those who "[come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")". Finally, it highlights the theme of **Intimacy and Trust** in the relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep, where the deep familiarity with the true Shepherd's voice makes the voice of a stranger utterly unrecognizable and therefore untrustworthy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stranger (Greek, _allótrios'_):** Derived from *allos* (another), this word literally means "belonging to another," or "alien." It denotes someone who is not one's own, foreign, or not akin. In the context of the parable, it signifies an unauthorized individual, someone who has no legitimate claim or relationship to the sheep, and whose motives are therefore suspect, potentially hostile, or self-serving, rather than for the well-being of the flock.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** This verb means "to be in the same way with," "to accompany," or "to go along with." In the context of discipleship, it specifically refers to following as a disciple, implying obedience, adherence, and loyal companionship. The negative "will they not follow" emphasizes the sheep's absolute refusal to submit to or journey with anyone but their recognized shepherd.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** While often meaning simply "to see," in its perfect tense (as implied here for "they know not"), *eídō* carries the deeper sense of "to have seen and therefore to know," implying intimate, experiential knowledge, understanding, and recognition. It's not merely intellectual acquaintance but a profound familiarity that allows for immediate identification and discernment. Their lack of this deep, personal knowledge concerning the stranger's voice is the fundamental reason for their flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a stranger will they not follow,"**: This clause immediately establishes the sheep's negative response to an unauthorized presence. The emphatic double negative "ou mē" (not at all) in the original Greek strengthens the denial, conveying an absolute refusal. The sheep will under no circumstances accompany or submit to someone they do not recognize as their true shepherd. This highlights their discerning nature and unwavering loyalty.
* **"but will flee from him:"**: This phrase describes the active and immediate reaction of the sheep. Instead of merely refusing to follow, they actively run away from the stranger. This flight signifies not just passive rejection but a necessary self-preservation, recognizing the inherent danger or lack of safety associated with an unfamiliar voice and presence. It underscores the spiritual imperative to separate from deceptive influences.
* **"for they know not the voice of strangers."**: This final clause provides the foundational reason for the sheep's behavior. Their refusal to follow and their act of fleeing stem from a profound lack of intimate, experiential knowledge of the stranger's voice. This "knowing" (*eídō*) is not a casual acquaintance but a deep, personal recognition. The absence of this recognition signifies the stranger's lack of legitimate authority and the sheep's inability to trust or respond to an unfamiliar call.

#### Literary Devices
John 10:5 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The entire passage operates as an extended metaphor, with Jesus as the **Good Shepherd**, believers as His **sheep**, and false teachers or deceptive influences as **strangers**. The "voice" (**Symbolism**) represents the shepherd's authority, teaching, and character, which the sheep recognize through intimate familiarity. The sheep's actions—not following and fleeing—are **Symbolic** of spiritual discernment and the necessary separation from false doctrine or leadership. The contrast between the known voice of the shepherd and the unknown voice of the stranger serves as a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the clear distinction between truth and error, authentic leadership and deceptive imposters. The **Personification** of the sheep, endowing them with the ability to "know" and "flee," underscores the spiritual capacity of believers to discern and react appropriately to spiritual influences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 10:5 is a profound statement on spiritual discernment, rooted in an intimate relationship with the divine. It teaches that true followers of Christ possess an innate, Spirit-given ability to recognize the authentic voice of their Shepherd, Jesus, and conversely, to instinctively reject and flee from any voice that does not align with His truth. This discernment is not merely intellectual but arises from a deep, personal familiarity cultivated through consistent communion with Christ and His Word. It serves as a vital safeguard against the myriad of false teachings and deceptive spirits that seek to lead believers astray. The sheep's refusal to follow a stranger underscores the exclusive allegiance owed to Christ and the critical importance of guarding against spiritual compromise.

* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 10:5 offers a timeless and critical lesson for believers in every generation. In a world saturated with information, competing ideologies, and diverse spiritual claims, the ability to discern the true voice of God from the myriad of "stranger" voices is paramount. This verse challenges us to cultivate an ever-deepening, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through consistent engagement with His Word, fervent prayer, and Spirit-led worship. It is through this sustained communion that our spiritual ears become attuned to His voice, making any deviation or counterfeit instantly recognizable and repulsive. We are called not merely to passively ignore false teachings, but actively to "flee" from them, protecting our hearts and minds from spiritual deception. This requires vigilance, a commitment to sound doctrine, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How actively am I cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus through His Word and prayer, such that I can readily discern His voice?**
* **What "stranger" voices (e.g., cultural narratives, unbiblical teachings, self-serving philosophies) might I be inadvertently listening to, and how can I more intentionally flee from them?**
* **In what practical ways can I strengthen my spiritual discernment to protect myself and others from deceptive influences in today's world?**

### FAQ

**What does "the voice of strangers" refer to in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "the voice of strangers" refers to any teaching, doctrine, or leadership that does not originate from or align with Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd. This includes false prophets, deceptive teachers, worldly philosophies, humanistic ideologies, or any voice that seeks to lead people away from biblical truth and the authority of God. Just as a literal stranger has no legitimate claim over the sheep, these spiritual "strangers" lack divine authority and often seek to exploit or mislead for their own gain, rather than for the genuine well-being of God's people. The Bible frequently warns against such voices, urging believers to "[test the spirits whether they are of God](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")" and to "[beware of false prophets](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")".

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 10:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the promised [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). He is the one whose voice alone is truly authoritative and life-giving, distinguishing Him from all others who claim spiritual leadership. The sheep's inability to follow a stranger highlights the unique and exclusive relationship believers have with Christ. He is not merely *a* shepherd, but *the* Shepherd, the one who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The intimate knowledge the sheep have of their shepherd's voice foreshadows the deep, personal communion believers are invited into with Jesus, a relationship where they "[hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Sheep")". This discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to recognize the truth of the Gospel and the authentic teaching of Christ amidst a cacophony of competing voices. Ultimately, the sheep's flight from the stranger is a testament to their recognition of Christ's singular authority and their secure belonging to Him, for "[no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand](/john/10-29 "John 10:29 - No One Can Snatch Them")".

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

Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:

Colossians 2:10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

1 John 4:5

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

1 John 4:6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Revelation 2:2

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: