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

JOHN 10:3KJV
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John 10:3 (KJV)

What does John 10:3 mean?

John 10:3 describes how the gatekeeper opens the door for the shepherd, the sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice, and the shepherd calls each of his own sheep by name and leads them out. This verse highlights the close relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, showing trust, recognition, and personal care.

In this part of John’s Gospel, Jesus is speaking to a group that includes both his followers and some religious leaders. He uses the picture of a shepherd and sheep to explain how he relates to those who truly belong to him. The verse emphasizes that the shepherd (representing Jesus) knows his sheep individually and that the sheep respond to his voice, setting up a contrast with strangers or false leaders.

The Greek behind John 10:3

  • "πορθηρ" (thyrōros, transliterated as "porter"): This word refers to the gatekeeper or doorkeeper, someone trusted to guard the entrance. The presence of a porter shows that access to the sheep is controlled and not just anyone can enter.
  • "φωνή" (phōnē, transliterated as "voice"): This word means "voice" or "sound." The sheep responding to the shepherd’s voice points to a relationship based on familiarity and trust, not just command.
  • "καλεῖ" (kalei, transliterated as "calleth"): This means "to call." The shepherd calls his own sheep, not just any sheep, making the care personal and specific.
  • "κατ’ ὄνομα" (kat’ onoma, transliterated as "by name"): This phrase means "by name," showing that the shepherd knows each sheep individually, not just as part of a group.

Why John 10:3 matters

  • John 10:3 clears up that Jesus is not speaking about a general crowd, but about a personal, individual relationship with each of his followers, as shown by calling each sheep "by name."
  • The verse stresses that true followers of Jesus recognize his voice, which is a mark of genuine connection and trust, not just outward association.
  • This verse sets up the rest of the passage, where Jesus contrasts himself as the true shepherd with those who do not have the sheep’s best interests at heart, deepening the meaning of spiritual leadership and belonging.

Where else these words appear

“porter” Greek G2377 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
  • John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

“leadeth” Greek G1806 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 7:36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
  • Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“openeth” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;