King James Version

What Does John 10:27 Mean?

John 10:27 in the King James Version says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:27 · KJV


Context

25

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus describes His sheep with three characteristics: 'hear my voice' (tes phones mou akouousin), 'I know them' (kago ginosko auta), and 'they follow me' (akolouthousin moi). Hearing Christ's voice indicates spiritual perception and receptivity - not merely auditory hearing but responsive listening. The verb ginosko (know) indicates intimate, experiential knowledge, not mere recognition. Jesus' knowledge of His sheep is personal and relational. The sheep's response is following - akoloutheo suggests discipleship, continuous accompaniment, and imitation. This threefold description identifies genuine disciples: they recognize Christ's voice, are known intimately by Him, and follow in obedience. The order is significant: hearing enables recognition of the Shepherd, which leads to following. The relationship is reciprocal: the sheep hear and follow; the Shepherd knows and leads.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Palestinian shepherding, sheep learned to recognize their shepherd's distinctive call. Multiple flocks might water at the same well, but each flock responded to its own shepherd's voice. Jesus uses this familiar imagery to describe spiritual recognition - His sheep discern His voice among competing claims. The discourse addresses the question posed in 10:24: 'How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.' Jesus responds that His sheep recognize Him through His works and words. Jewish leaders rejected Jesus despite evidence, proving they were not His sheep. Early Christian catechesis used this passage to describe conversion: hearing the Gospel, being known by Christ, and following in discipleship. Reformation theology emphasized that effective calling involves hearing Christ's voice through the Spirit's internal testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. What enables some to hear and recognize Christ's voice while others do not?
  2. How does Christ's knowing His sheep differ from mere intellectual awareness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τὰ1 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρόβατα2 of 14

sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

τὰ3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμὰ4 of 14

My

G1699

my

τῆς5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωνῆς6 of 14

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μου7 of 14

my

G3450

of me

ἀκούει,8 of 14

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

κἀγὼ9 of 14

and I

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

γινώσκω10 of 14

know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

αὐτά11 of 14

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 14

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀκολουθοῦσίν13 of 14

they follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

μοι14 of 14

me

G3427

to me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 10:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study