John 10:4
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
2 of 19
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδια
his own
G2398
ἴδια
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
4 of 19
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
5 of 19
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
7 of 19
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
αὐτοῦ·
him
G846
αὐτοῦ·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 19
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
πορεύεται
he goeth
G4198
πορεύεται
he goeth
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
9 of 19
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
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 #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
12 of 19
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ·
him
G846
αὐτοῦ·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
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
ἀκολουθεῖ
follow
G190
ἀκολουθεῖ
follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἴδασιν
they know
G1492
οἴδασιν
they know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:30The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;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 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.John 18:37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.1 Peter 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Corinthians 11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.John 10:8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Historical Context
Unlike Western shepherds who drive sheep from behind with dogs, Eastern shepherds led from the front, with sheep voluntarily following their trusted guide who knew the territory and protected them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ lead you rather than drive you?
- What spiritual leaders demonstrate godly example worth following?
- How can you lead others by going before them rather than commanding from behind?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After leading his sheep out, the shepherd goes before them and they follow because they know his voice. True spiritual leadership leads by example, going before rather than driving from behind. Sheep follow freely, not under compulsion but by recognition. This models authentic Christian leadership - earned trust, not demanded submission.