And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
JOHN 10:5KJVWhat does John 10:5 mean?
John 10:5 says that the sheep will not follow a stranger, but instead will run away from him because they do not recognize the voice of strangers. This highlights the idea that true followers can tell the difference between the voice of their shepherd and someone they do not trust.
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of people, using the picture of sheep and shepherds to explain how his followers respond to him. The sheep represent those who truly belong to Jesus, and the stranger stands for anyone who tries to lead them away from him. The verse emphasizes that real followers are able to sense when someone is not their true guide, and they instinctively avoid such voices.
The Greek behind John 10:5
- The word for "stranger" is ἀλλότριος (allotrios), which means someone who does not belong or is not familiar. This word stresses the idea of someone outside the trusted circle.
- The verb "flee" is φεύγω (pheugō), meaning to run away or escape. This shows a strong reaction, not just ignoring but actively moving away from the stranger.
- The word "voice" is φωνή (phōnē), which can mean both a literal voice and the distinctive way someone speaks. The sheep do not just fail to recognize the words, but the whole character of the stranger's call.
Why John 10:5 matters
- John 10:5 clarifies that genuine followers of Jesus are not easily misled by false teachers or impostors, because they are sensitive to what is truly his voice.
- This verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, showing the close relationship and trust between him and his followers.
- The verse helps explain why some people are drawn to Jesus while others are not—recognition and trust come from familiarity with the true shepherd.