King James Version
John 10:4 in the King James Version says “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” — study this verse from John chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
John 10:4 · KJV
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“when”
G3752whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
“sheep”
G4263something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“he goeth”
G4198to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“sheep”
G4263something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“follow”
G190properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
“they know”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“voice”
G5456a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
John 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge