John 10:3

John 10:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

The porter lets him in; and the sheep give ear to his voice; he says over the names of the sheep, and takes them out.

Free Bible Version FBV

The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep respond to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To him the porter openeth, and the sheepe heare his voyce, and he calleth his owne sheepe by name, and leadeth them out.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

to this one the doorkeeper doth open, and the sheep hear his voice, and his own sheep he doth call by name, and doth lead them forth;

World English Bible WEB

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

The man who watches the gate at night opens the gate for him. The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice. He summons his own sheep by calling out the names he has given them. Then he leads them outside the pen.

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 10:3

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 10:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τουτω ο θυρωρος ανοιγει και τα προβατα της φωνης αυτου ακουει και τα ιδια προβατα καλει κατ ονομα και εξαγει αυτα

τουτω ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-DSM

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

θυρωρος thurōros G2377 gatekeeper Noun-NSM

ανοιγει anoigō G455 to open Verb-PAI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPN

προβατα probaton G4263 sheep Noun-NPN

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

φωνης phōnē G5456 voice/sound: noise Noun-GSF

αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM

ακουει akouō G191 to hear Verb-PAI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

ιδια idios G2398 one's own/private Adj-APN

προβατα probaton G4263 sheep Noun-APN

καλει kaleō G2564 to call: call Verb-PAI-3S

κατ kata G2596 according to Prep

ονομα onoma G3686 name Noun-ASN

και kai G2532 and Conj

εξαγει exagō G1806 to lead out Verb-PAI-3S

αυτα autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APN

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Greek Word Reference — John 10:3

τουτω ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-DSM

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θυρωρος thurōros G2377 "gatekeeper" Noun-NSM

A gatekeeper is a person who guards or watches a door or gate, like the one in John 10:3 who recognizes the shepherd. The Greek word for gatekeeper is also used in Mark 13:34 to describe a porter or doorkeeper.

Definition: θυρωρός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (θύρα, + οὖρος, a guardian) [in LXX: 4Ki.7:11 (שׁוֹעֵר), Eze.44:11 (פְּקֻדָּה), 2Ki.4:6 4:1 II Est.7:1-28 * ;] a door-keeper, porter: ὁ, Mrk.13:34, Jhn.10:3; ἡ, Jhn.18:16-17† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: that kept the door, porter See also: John 10:3; John 18:17; Mark 13:34.

ανοιγει anoigō G455 "to open" Verb-PAI-3S

To open something means to make it accessible or available, like opening a door or a gate. In the Bible, this word is used literally and figuratively, such as in Acts 5:19 and Revelation 3:20.

Definition: ἀν-οίγω (ἀνά, οἴγω = οἴγνυμι) [in LXX chiefly for פָּתַח ;] to open; __1. trans., with accusative; a door or gate, Act.5:19 12:14, Rev.4:1; pass., Act.12:10 16:26-27; metaphorically of opportunity or welcome, Act.14:27, Col.4:3, Rev.3:20; pass., 1Co.16:9, 2Co.2:12, Rev.3:8; absol. (sc. θύραν), Act.5:23 12:16; with dative of person(s), Luk.12:36, Jhn.10:3; metaphorically, Mat.7:7-8 25:11, Luk.11:9-10 13:25, Rev.3:7; θησαυρούς (Sir.43:14), Mat.2:11; τ. μνημεῖα, Mat.27:52; τάφος, Rom.3:13; τ. φρέαρ, Rev.9:2; of heaven, Mat.3:16, Luk.3:21, Act.10:11, Rev.11:19 15:5 19:11; σφραγῖδα, Rev.5:9 6:1 ff. Rev.8:1; βιβλίον, βιβλαρίδιον, Luk.4:17, Rev.5:2-5 10:2, 8 20:12; τ. στόμα, Mat.17:27; id. Hebraistically (Num.22:28, Job.3:1, Isa.50:5, al.), of beginning to speak, Mat.5:2, Act.8:32, 35 10:34 18:14; before εἰς βλαιφημίας, Rev.13:6; ἐν παραβολαῖς (Psa.78:2), Mat.13:35; of recovering speech, Luk.1:64; of the earth opening, Rev.12:16; τ. ὀφθαλμoύς, Act.9:8, 40; id. with genitive of person(s), of restoring sight, Mat.9:30 20:33, Jhn.9:1ff; 10.21, 11:37ff ; metaphorically, Act.26:18; ἀκοάς, with genitive of person(s), of restoring hearing, Mrk.7:35. __2. Intrans. in 2 pf., ἀνέῳγα (M, Pr., 154); heaven, Jhn.1:51; τ. στόμα, before πρός, of speaking freely, 2Co.6:11 (cf. δι-ανοίγω and see MM, VGT, 45).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 75 NT verses. KJV: open See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:7.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προβατα probaton G4263 "sheep" Noun-NPN

In the Bible, a sheep refers to a literal animal or a person who follows a leader, as in Matthew 7:15 and Romans 8:36.

Definition: πρόβατον, -ου, τό (προβαίνω), [in LXX chiefly for צֹאן, also for שֶׂה, more rarely for כֶּבֶשׂ (כֶּשֶׂב), רָחֵל ;] __1. in Hom., Hdt., cattle, esp. of small cattle, sheep and goats. __2. In NT, as in Attic writers generally (cf. MM, xxi), a sheep: Mat.7:15, Mrk.6:34, al.; πρόβατα σφαγῆς, Rom.8:36 (LXX). Metaphorical (in cl. of timidity, stupidity or idleness), of the followers of a leader or master, esp. of those who are subject to the care of the Good Shepherd: Mat.10:6 15:24 26:31" (LXX) Mrk.14:27 (LXX), Jhn.10:7-8, 15-16 10:26-27 21:16-17 (WH txt., προβάτια), Heb.13:20; opposite to ἐρίφια, Mat.25:33. προβάτιον, -ου, τό, dimin. of πρόβατον (used as a term of endearment, see El., § 27, 4), a little sheep: Jhn.21:16-17 (πρόβατα, WH, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: sheep(-fold) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 21:16; Hebrews 13:20.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φωνης phōnē G5456 "voice/sound: noise" Noun-GSF

Voice or sound refers to any kind of noise, like a person speaking or an animal making a sound. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 2:18 and Acts 2:14 to describe a voice or sound. It can also mean a language or saying.

Definition: φωνή, -ῆς, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for קוֹל ;] a voice; __(a) prop., of persons, Mat.2:18 (LXX), al.; φ. αἴρειν (ἐπαίρειν), Luk.17:13, Act.2:14, al.; φ. μεγάλῃ εἰπεῖν (λέγειν, φωνεῖν, etc.), Luk.8:28, Act.7:57, Rev.5:12, al.; γίνεται (ἔρχεται) φ. ἐκ τ. οὐρανῶν (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ), Mrk.1:11, Luk.3:22, Jhn.12:28, al. (cf. DCG, ii, 810a; Dalman, Words, 204f.); ἀκούειν φωνήν (-ῆς; see: ἀκούω), Act.9:4, 7 al.; φ. βοῶντος, Mat.3:3, Mrk.1:3, Luk.3:4, Jhn.1:23" (LXX) ; τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.5:37, Heb.3:7, al. By meton., __(α) of the speaker, βλέπειν τὴν φ., Rev.1:12; __(β) speech, language ( Gen.11:1, 4Ma.12:7, al.): 1Co.14:10; __(b) of inanimate things: Mat.24:31, Jhn.3:8, Act.2:6, Rev.1:15b 9:9 14:2, al. (cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxix). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 128 NT verses. KJV: noise, sound, voice See also: 1 Corinthians 14:7; Luke 11:27; Hebrews 3:7.

αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

ακουει akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-PAI-3S

To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.

Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιδια idios G2398 "one's own/private" Adj-APN

Something that is one's own is private or personal, like in Matthew where Jesus is alone with his disciples.

Definition: ἴδιος, -α, -ον (in Attic usually -ος, -ον), [in LXX chiefly for of person(s) suff., also for לָהֶם, etc.; (τὰ ἴ.) בֵּיתוֹ ;] __1. one's own; __(a) of that which is private and personal (in cl. opposite to κοινός, δημόσιος; cf. infr. 3); __(b) of property, friends, home, country, etc. (in cl. opposite to ἀλλότριος; in late writers often, like ἑαυτοῦ, with weakened sense, see M, Pr., 87ff.; Deiss., BS, 123f.): Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:42 5:43, Act.2:6 20:28, 1Co.11:21, Gal.6:5, 2Ti.1:9, Heb.7:27, Ju 6, al.; πράσσειν τὰ ἴ., 1Th.4:11; κατὰ τὰς ἰ. ἐπιθυμίας, 2Ti.4:3; οἱ ἴδιοι, Jhn.1:11 (M, Pr., 90f.; Field, Notes, 84) 13:1, Act.4:23, 1Ti.5:8; τὰ ἴδια, one's home (Field, Notes, l.with), Luk.18:28, Jhn.1:11 16:32 19:27. __2. peculiar, distinct, appropriate, proper: τὸ ἴ. σῶμα, 1Co.15:38; ἐν τ. ἰ. τάγματι, 1Co.15:23; εἰς τ. τόπον τ. ἴ., Act.1:25; = αὐτοῦ (see Deiss., ut. supr.), Mat.22:5, Jhn.1:42 (cf. Wis.10:1). __3. Adverbially (see supr., 1 (a); and cf. WM, 739:2); __(a) ἰδίᾳ, severally, separately: 1Co.12:11; __(b) κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, apart, privately, in private: Mat.14:13, 23 20:17, Mrk.4:34 7:33, Luk.10:23, Act.23:19, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; Galatians 6:5; 1 Peter 3:1.

προβατα probaton G4263 "sheep" Noun-APN

In the Bible, a sheep refers to a literal animal or a person who follows a leader, as in Matthew 7:15 and Romans 8:36.

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: sheep(-fold) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 21:16; Hebrews 13:20.

καλει kaleō G2564 "to call: call" Verb-PAI-3S

This word means to call or invite someone, like calling out to them loudly. It's used in Matthew 20:8 and Mark 3:31 to describe calling people to come and follow. This word can also mean to invite someone to a special event or to join in something.

Definition: καλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for קרא ;] __1. to call, summon: with accusative of person(s), Mat.20:8 25:14, Mrk.3:31, Luk.19:13, Act.4:18; before ἐκ, Mat.2:15 (LXX); metaphorically, 1Pe.2:9. __2. to call to one's house, invite: Luk.14:16, 1Co.10:27, Rev.19:9; εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.22:3, 9 Luk.14:8, 9 Jhn.2:2; ὁ καλέσας, Luk.7:39; οἱ κεκλημένοι, Mat.22:8; metaphorically, of inviting to partake of the blessings of the kingdom of God (Dalman, Words, 118f.): Rom.8:30 9:24, 25 1Co.7:17, 18; before εἰς, 1Co.1:9, 1Th.2:12, 1Ti.6:12; ὁ καλῶν (καλέσας), of God, Gal.1:6 5:8, 1Th.5:24, 1Pe.1:15, 2Pe.1:3; οἱ κεκλκλημένοι, Heb.9:15; before ἐν (ἐπί), 1Co.7:15, Gal.5:13, Eph.4:4, 1Th.4:7; κλήσει, Eph.4:1, 2Ti.1:9. __3. to call, name call by name: pass., Mat.2:23, Luk.1:32, al.; καλούμενος, Luk.7:11, Act.7:58, al.; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 210), Luk.6:15 22:3 23:33, Act.10:1, Rev.12:9, al.; with pred nom., Mat.5:9, Luk.1:35, Rom.9:26, Jas.2:23, 1Jn.3:1. (Cf. ἀντι-, ἐν-, εἰσ- (-μαι), ἐπι-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-καλέω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 138 NT verses. KJV: bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; Luke 2:23; 1 Peter 1:15.

κατ kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

ονομα onoma G3686 "name" Noun-ASN

A name refers to a person's character or authority, as in Matthew 10:2 and John 18:10. It represents who someone is or what they are known for. Jesus taught about the importance of a good name and reputation.

Definition: ὄνομα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly for שֵׁם ;] __1. in general, the name by which a person or thing is called: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.1:63, Jhn.18:10, al.; ἄνθρωπος (etc.), ᾧ (οὗ) ὄ. (τ. ὄ), sc. ἦν or ἐστίν (BL, §30, 3), Mrk.14:32, Luk.1:26, 27; with same ellipsis, καὶ τ. ὄ. αὐτοῦ, Luk.1:5, Jhn.1:6, al.; ὀνόματι, before nom. prop., Mat.27:32, Mrk.5:22, Luk.1:5, Act.5:1, al.; accusative absol. (Bl., §34, 7), τοὔνομα (= τ. ὄνομα), Mat.27:57; ὄ. μοι (sc. ἐστίν; cf. Hom., Od., ix, 366), Mrk.5:9 (cf. Luk.8:30); ἔξειν ὄ., Rev.9:11; καλεῖν (ἐπιτιθέναι) ὄ. (Bl., §33, 1), Mat.1:21, Mrk.3:16; τ. ὄ. ἐν (τ.) βίβλῳ ζωῆς (cf. Deiss., LAE, 121), Php.4:3, Rev.13:8, cf. Luk.10:20 (ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς); ὄ. βλασφημίας, Rev.13:1; the name as opposite to the reality, Rev.3:1 (cf. Hdt., vii, 138); as a title: Eph.1:21, Php.2:9, 10 (Lft., in l.). __2. By a usage similar to that with ref. to Heb. שֵׁם (Lft., Notes, 106f.), but also common in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 100; Bl., §39, 4; Deiss, BS, 146f., 196f.; LAE, 123:4, of all that the name implies, of rank, authority, character, etc.: of acting on one's authority or in his behalf, ἐν (εἰς) ὄ., with genitive of person(s) (see reff. supr.), Mat.10:41 21:9 28:19, Mrk.11:9, Luk.13:35, Jhn.5:43, Act.8:16, 1Co.1:13; of the name Christian, 1Pe.4:16; esp. of the name of God as expressing the divine attributes: ἁγιάζειν (ἅγιον) τὸ ὄ. (τ. Πατρός, Κυρίου), Mat.6:9, Luk.1:49 11:2; ψάλλειν (ὁμολογεῖν) τῷ ὀ., Rom.15:9, Heb.13:15; δοξάζειν (φανεροῦν, φοβεῖσθαι) τὸ ὄ., Jhn.12:28 17:6, 26 Rev.11:18 15:4; βλασφημεῖν, Rom.2:24, 1Ti.6:1, Rev.13:6; similarly, of the name of Christ: τ. καλὂν ὄ. (Deiss., LAE, 276); πιστεύειν τῷ ὀ., 1Jn.3:23; π. εἰς τ. ὄ. (Bl., §39, 4), Jhn.1:12 2:23 3:18; ὀνομάζειν τὸ ὄ., 2Ti.2:19; κρατεῖν, Rev.2:13; οὐκ ἀρνεῖσθαι, Rev.3:8; ἐν τ. ὀ. (see reff. supr.), Mrk.9:38 16:[17], Luk.10:17, Jhn.14:13 16:23, 24 20:31, Act.3:6 4:12, Eph.5:20, 1Pe.4:14, al.; εἰς τ. ὄ. συνάγεσθαι, Mat.18:20; ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀ., Mat.19:29; διὰ τὸ ὄ., Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, al.; διὰ τοῦ ὀ., 1Co.1:10; ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀ., Act.9:16, Rom.1:5, al.; id. absol., Act.5:41, 3Jo.7; πρὸς τὸ ὄ., Act.26:9. __3. cause, ground, reason (in cl., usually in bad sense, pretext): Mrk.9:41 (Swete, in l.; Dalman, Words, 305f.). __4. In late Greek (Deiss., BS., 196f.), an individual, a person: Act.1:15, Rev.3:4 11:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 214 NT verses. KJV: called, (+ sur-)name(-d) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; John 16:23; 1 Peter 4:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εξαγει exagō G1806 "to lead out" Verb-PAI-3S

This word means to lead out or bring forth, like guiding someone out of a place. It is used in Mark 15:20 and John 10:3 to describe leading people out.

Definition: ἐξ-άγω [in LXX chiefly for יָצָא hi. ;] to lead out: with accusative, Mrk.15:20, Jhn.10:3, Act.5:19 7:36 16:37-39; before ἔξω, Luk.24:50; ἐκ, Act.7:40 12:17 13:17, Heb.8:9; εἰς, Act.21:38.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: bring forth (out), fetch (lead) out See also: Acts 5:19; Acts 16:39; Hebrews 8:9.

αυτα autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APN

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Study Notes — John 10:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 10:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 10:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 10:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 10:3
Trapp's Commentary on John 10:3
Ellicott's Commentary on John 10:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 10:3
Cambridge Bible on John 10:3
Barnes' Notes on John 10:3
Whedon's Commentary on John 10:3
Sermons on John 10:3

Context — Jesus the Good Shepherd

1“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 34:11–16	For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
2	2 Timothy 2:19	Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
3	John 10:4	When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
4	John 10:16	I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
5	Revelation 3:20	Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
6	John 10:14	I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
7	Psalms 78:52–53	He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.
8	John 10:26–27	But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
9	Revelation 7:17	For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
10	Exodus 33:17	So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”

John 10:3 Summary

In John 10:3, Jesus describes how the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and the sheep listen for his voice. This means that when Jesus, our shepherd, comes to us, he calls us by name and leads us to a place of safety and care. Just like the sheep in the verse, we can learn to listen for and trust in Jesus' voice, following him because we know he loves and cares for us (Psalm 23:1-4). As we listen for Jesus' voice, we can come to know him more intimately and trust in his guidance, just as the disciples did in John 10:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the gatekeeper to open the gate for the shepherd in John 10:3?

The gatekeeper represents those who are entrusted with the care and protection of God's people, and the act of opening the gate signifies their recognition and submission to the true shepherd, as seen in John 10:2, where Jesus is the one who enters by the gate.

How do the sheep listen for the shepherd's voice in John 10:3?

The sheep listen for the shepherd's voice because they have come to know and trust him, much like the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, as described in John 10:4, where the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

What does it mean for the shepherd to call his own sheep by name?

When the shepherd calls his own sheep by name, it signifies a personal and intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, much like the relationship between God and his people, as seen in Isaiah 43:1, where God says, 'I have called you by name; you are mine.'

How does this verse relate to our lives as believers?

This verse reminds us that as believers, we are called to listen for and follow the voice of our shepherd, Jesus, just as the sheep in the verse, and to trust in his guidance and care, as promised in Psalm 23:1-4, where David writes about the Lord being his shepherd.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to 'listen for' the voice of Jesus in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sensitivity to his guidance?
How can I be more like the sheep in this verse, trusting in the care and provision of my shepherd, Jesus?
What are some ways that I can 'follow' Jesus, as the sheep follow the shepherd, in my daily life and decisions?
How can I come to know Jesus' voice more intimately, and distinguish it from the voices of the world or my own desires?
What does it mean to be 'called by name' by Jesus, and how does this impact my sense of identity and purpose?

Gill's Exposition on John 10:3

To him the porter openeth,.... There is nothing in the explanation of this parable given by Christ, that directs to the sense of this clause; the allusion cannot be, as some have thought, to great

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 10:3

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 10:3

By the porter is understood God; or more particularly, (to show the order of the Holy Trinity in working), the Holy Spirit, who openeth the hearts of men to receive and embrace Jesus Christ, who is the chief Shepherd; and the sheep are able to distinguish his voice from the voice of thieves and robbers. Probably they had in those countries particular words and phrases, which, their shepherds having used them to, the sheep understood, and moved according to the direction of them. Some think they had also names for their sheep, (as we have for our dogs and horses), which they understood. Otherwise, it only signifieth that particular knowledge which Christ hath of all those that are truly his: as the former phrase signified, that judgment of discerning spirits and doctrines, which was in an eminent degree in the first ministers of the gospel, and is yet in a measure in believers; by which, though they cannot perfectly and infallibly judge concerning truth, and the will of God, in all things, yet they can in a great measure do it; and are not ordinarily led aside into pernicious and damnable errors, to the ruin of their souls. And, saith our Saviour, the true shepherd leadeth the sheep out; that is, into their pastures and true feeding places. This is eminently true concerning Christ the chief Shepherd: when he came into the world, God opened to him the door of his church; so as though he was rejected by many, (the builders and rulers of the Jewish church in particular), yet he was by many received; multitudes followed him; many truly believed on him, and truly heard his voice; he had a particular knowledge of them who truly were his sheep; he knew Nathanael while he was yet under the fig tree; he led them out into their true pastures, preaching the gospel of the kingdom to them, and showing them the way of life and salvation. It is in its measure true of every inferior shepherd, that truly derives from Christ; God giveth unto such favour in the eyes of his people. The true sheep of Christ hear them, receive and embrace the truth delivered by them. They take a particular charge of them, and they lead them to Christ, and to the embracing of his gospel; as by the holy and true doctrine which they preach to them, so by their holy lives and conversations before them.

Trapp's Commentary on John 10:3

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. Ver. 3. To him the porter openeth] That is, God approveth such, and usually seals to their ministry, Jeremiah 23:22, giving them a testimonial, 2 Corinthians 3:2.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 10:3

(3) The reference in Luke 10:3 to the wolves among whom they would be as lambs, throws light upon John 10:12. He who would lay down His life for them would expose them to the wolves because He as the Good Shepherd would save them from the wolf. And it was at Jerusalem.—Better, And the Feast of the Dedication was being held at Jerusalem.—Although St. John gives no hint that our Lord had left the neighbourhood of Jerusalem, this specific mention of the city implies a return from a distance, for the words would be out of place if He had continued there during the interval since John 10:21. They cannot be restricted to the feast, which was not confined to Jerusalem, but was universally observed by the Jews. The reference in the margin warns us against the error of understanding “the Feast of the Dedication” as a feast in honour of the dedication of Solomon’s or Zerubbabel’s temple. We know of no annual festival connected with these dedications, and the statement that this feast was “in the winter” makes it almost certain that it was the feast instituted, B.C. 164, by Judas Maccabæus, in commemoration of the cleansing of the Temple after its profanation by Antiochus Epiphanes (1Ma 4:52-59). It extended over eight days, beginning on the 25th of the month Kisleu, which answers to parts of our November and December. It is still called “Chanuca,” the Dedication, while St. John’s Greek name for it, which was adopted by the Vulgate (Encœnia), is familiar to English ears in connection with another commemoration. In this, as in other rejoicings, illumination was a prominent feature, and it was sometimes called the “Feast of Lights.” The Temple and private houses were illuminated, and it was customary in the houses of the more wealthy and pious Jews to have a light for each member of the family, increasing by an additional light for each evening of the feast. The illumination has been sometimes traced to the discovery in the temple by the Maccabees of a vial of oil, sealed with the high priest’s ring. This, it is said, was sufficient for the lamps for one evening only, but was miraculously multiplied so as to suffice for eight evenings, which was therefore devoted to annual illuminations in remembrance of this gift of God (Talmud, Shabbath 216). And it was winter.—Better, It was winter. These words should then be connected with the following verse. Our division breaks the sense.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 10:3

Verse 3. To him the porter openeth] Sir Isaac Newton observes that our Lord being near the temple, where sheep were kept in folds to be sold for sacrifices, spoke many things parabolically of sheep, of their shepherds, and of the door to the sheepfold; and discovers that he alluded to the sheepfolds which were to be hired in the market place, by speaking of such folds as a thief could not enter by the door, nor the shepherd himself open, but a porter opened to the shepherd. In the porter opening the door to the true shepherd, we may discover the second mark of a true minister-his labour is crowned with success. The Holy Spirit opens his way into the hearts of his hearers, and he becomes the instrument of their salvation. See Colossians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Revelation 3:8. The sheep hear his voice] A third mark of a good shepherd is that he speaks so as to instruct the people - the sheep hear HIS voice; he does not take the fat and the fleece, and leave another hireling on less pay to do the work of the pastoral office. No: himself preaches Christ Jesus the Lord, and in that simplicity too, that is best calculated to instruct the common people. A man who preaches in such a language as the people cannot comprehend may do for a stage-player or a mountebank, but not for a minister of Christ. He calleth his own sheep by name] A fourth mark of a good pastor is that he is well acquainted with his flock; he knows them by name - he takes care to acquaint himself with the spiritual states of all those that are entrusted to him. He speaks to them concerning their souls, and thus getting a thorough knowledge of their state he is the better qualified to profit them by his public ministrations. He who has not a proper acquaintance with the Church of Christ, can never by his preaching build it up in its most holy faith. And leadeth them out.] A fifth mark of a good shepherd is, he leads the flock, does not lord it over God's heritage; nor attempts by any rigorous discipline not founded on the Gospel of Christ, to drive men into the way of life; nor drive them out of it, which many do, by a severity which is a disgrace to the mild Gospel of the God of peace and love. He leads them out of themselves to Christ, out of the follies, diversions, and amusements of the world, into the path of Christian holiness: in a word, he leads them, by those gentle yet powerful persuasions that flow from a heart full of the word and love of Christ, into the kingdom and glory of his God.

Cambridge Bible on John 10:3

3. To him the porter openeth] The ‘porter’ is the door-keeper or gate-keeper, who fastens and opens the one door into the fold. In the allegory the fold is the Church, the Door is Christ, the sheep are the elect, the shepherds are God’s ministers. What does the porter represent? Possibly nothing definite. Much harm is sometimes done by trying to make every detail of an allegory or parable significant. There must be back ground in every picture. But if it be insisted that the porter here is too prominent to be meaningless, it is perhaps best to understand the Holy Spirit as signified under this figure; He who grants opportunities of coming, or of bringing others, through Christ into the Kingdom of God. Comp. 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; Acts 14:27; Revelation 3:8 : but in all these passages ‘door’ does not mean Christ, but opportunity. See on 1 Corinthians 16:9.the sheep hear his voice] All the sheep, whether belonging to His flock or not, know from His coming that they are about to be led out. His own sheep (first for emphasis) he calleth by name (Exodus 33:12; Exodus 33:17; Isaiah 43:1), and leadeth them out to pasture. Even in this country shepherds and shepherds’ dogs know each individual sheep; in the East the intimacy between shepherd and sheep is still closer. The naming of sheep is a very ancient practice: see Theocritus 5:102.

Barnes' Notes on John 10:3

To him the porter openeth - The porter is the doorkeeper. It seems that the more wealthy Jews who owned flocks employed some person to take charge of the flock.

Whedon's Commentary on John 10:3

3. The porter—The door-keeper. The licensing power of the Church.

Sermons on John 10:3

	Sermon	Description
	Esther 1:1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing trepidation about attending a conference due to the abundance of food and treats. He then shares a personal experience that motivat
	Recognizing the Voice of God by Henry Blackaby	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of recognizing the voice of God. He starts by referencing John 10:3-4, where Jesus describes himself as the shepherd and his f
	Shepherds of the Flock by Eric J. Alexander	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a man of conviction while also being gentle and loving towards those who disagree. He refers to the knowledge that Je
	Called by God by Larry Zook	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affection on heavenly things and pursuing the high calling of God. He encourages everyone to recognize that God
	Jesus Is Precious Because He Gives Eternal Life by John Piper	In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene from the Bible where Jesus walks on water during a storm. The preacher emphasizes the strength and power of Jesus, who is not afraid
	Christian Life According to John (Part 4) by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge Jesus faced in meeting the demands of thousands of people seeking his attention. Jesus recognized that he couldn't physically r
	Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and