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

JOHN 10:5KJV
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John 10:5 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“stranger” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“flee” Greek G5343 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“they” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  • John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.