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 10:16KJV
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John 10:16 (KJV)

What does John 10:16 mean?

John 10:16 describes Jesus saying He has other sheep that are not part of the current group (the "fold") He is speaking to, and that He must bring them in as well, so that all will be united under one shepherd. This verse points to the idea that Jesus' care and leadership are meant for more than just one group of people.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience, using the image of sheep and a shepherd to explain His role and mission. The "other sheep" are often understood as people outside the Jewish community, and Jesus is saying that they too will hear His voice and be gathered together. The verse highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission and the unity He intends to bring.

The Greek behind John 10:16

  • "fold" (αὐλῆς, transliterated as aulēs): This word means an enclosure or pen for sheep. Jesus uses it to refer to the group He is currently addressing, suggesting a specific community or group.
  • "other" (ἄλλα, alla): This word means "other" or "different." Jesus is clearly indicating a group distinct from His current listeners.
  • "one" (μία, mia): The Greek word for "one" is used twice, emphasizing unity—a single flock and a single shepherd, not just many groups loosely connected.
  • "shepherd" (ποιμήν, poimēn): This word means shepherd, a common image for leadership and care. Jesus is claiming the role of the one true shepherd for all the sheep, not just some.

Why John 10:16 matters

  • John 10:16 clarifies that Jesus' mission is not limited to one ethnic or religious group, but is meant for all people, breaking down boundaries that might have seemed fixed.
  • The verse emphasizes unity under Jesus, showing that His followers, no matter their background, are meant to be gathered together as one flock.
  • This statement connects to the wider passage, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, and helps explain the inclusive scope of His ministry and message.

Where else these words appear

“fold” Greek G4167 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
  • Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

“fold” Greek G833 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
  • Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

“shepherd” Greek G4166 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

“also” Greek G2548 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.