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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνοίγει
openeth
G455
ἀνοίγει
openeth
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
4 of 21
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
7 of 21
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
9 of 21
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
αὐτά
his
G846
αὐτά
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδια
his own
G2398
ἴδια
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
14 of 21
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
15 of 21
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
καλεῖ
he calleth
G2564
καλεῖ
he calleth
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
16 of 21
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
κατ'
by
G2596
κατ'
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
17 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
18 of 21
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.John 10:4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.John 10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Revelation 7:17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Exodus 33:17And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.Romans 8:30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.John 6:45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Historical Context
Palestinian shepherds often combined flocks overnight for protection, but each shepherd could call out his own sheep in the morning by name, and they would follow his distinctive voice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize Christ's voice amid competing voices?
- What does it mean that Jesus knows you by name?
- How has the Shepherd's call led you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The shepherd is known to the porter (doorkeeper) and calls his sheep by name - they recognize his voice and follow him. This beautiful picture shows intimate relationship between Christ and believers. We're not nameless masses but individually known and called. The sheep's ability to recognize the Shepherd's voice demonstrates spiritual discernment given to true believers.