John 10:5
New International Version
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

New Living Translation
They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

English Standard Version
A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Berean Standard Bible
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

Berean Literal Bible
But they will never follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."

King James Bible
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

New King James Version
Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

New American Standard Bible
However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

NASB 1995
“A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

NASB 1977
“And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Legacy Standard Bible
A stranger they will never follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Amplified Bible
They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Christian Standard Bible
They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t recognize the voice of strangers.”

American Standard Version
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Contemporary English Version
The sheep will not follow strangers. They don't recognize a stranger's voice, and they run away.

English Revised Version
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They won't follow a stranger. Instead, they will run away from a stranger because they don't recognize his voice."

Good News Translation
They will not follow someone else; instead, they will run away from such a person, because they do not know his voice."

International Standard Version
They'll never follow a stranger, but will run away from him because they don't recognize the voice of strangers."

Majority Standard Bible
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”

NET Bible
They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not recognize the stranger's voice."

New Heart English Bible
They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they do not know the voice of strangers."

Webster's Bible Translation
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Weymouth New Testament
But a stranger they will by no means follow, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."

World English Bible
They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they will not follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they have not known the voice of strangers.”

Berean Literal Bible
But they will never follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."

Young's Literal Translation
and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him, because they have not known the voice of strangers.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a stranger they would not follow, but they will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But a stranger they follow not, but fly from him, because they know not the voice of strangers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they do not follow a stranger; instead they flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

New American Bible
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”

New Revised Standard Version
They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sheep do not follow a stranger, but they run away from him; because they do not know the voice of a stranger.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the flock goes not after a stranger, but flees from him, for it does not know a stranger's voice.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.

Godbey New Testament
but they will not follow a stranger, but will flee from him: because they know not the voice of strangers.

Haweis New Testament
And a stranger will they not follow, but will fly from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Mace New Testament
a stranger they will not follow, but flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Weymouth New Testament
But a stranger they will by no means follow, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."

Worrell New Testament
But a stranger they will in no wise follow, but will flee from him; because they know not the voice of strangers."

Worsley New Testament
But they will not follow a stranger, but will flee from him; because they know not the voice of strangers.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus the Good Shepherd
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. 6Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.…

Cross References
John 10:27
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,

John 10:3-4
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. / When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:2-6
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. ...

Isaiah 56:10-11
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:

Zechariah 11:15-17
And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. / For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. / Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”

Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.


Treasury of Scripture

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

1 Kings 22:7
And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might inquire of him?

Proverbs 19:27
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Mark 4:24
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Jump to Previous
Fact Flee Flight Follow Keeper Means Recognize Run Simply Strange Stranger Strangers Stranger's Voice
Jump to Next
Fact Flee Flight Follow Keeper Means Recognize Run Simply Strange Stranger Strangers Stranger's Voice
John 10
1. Jesus is the door, and the good shepherd.
19. Diverse opinions of him.
23. He proves by his works that he is Jesus the Son of God;
31. escapes the Jews;
39. and goes again beyond Jordan, where many believe on him.














But they will never follow a stranger
The phrase begins with "But," indicating a contrast to the previous verses where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. The word "never" emphasizes the absolute certainty and assurance that true believers, represented as sheep, will not follow anyone other than their true Shepherd. The term "stranger" in the Greek is "allotrios," meaning someone who does not belong to the group or is foreign. This highlights the idea that false teachers or deceptive voices are alien to the flock of Christ. Historically, shepherds in the ancient Near East had a unique call or voice that their sheep recognized, and they would not respond to anyone else. This illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, who discern His voice through the Holy Spirit and Scripture.

in fact, they will flee from him
The phrase "in fact" serves to reinforce the certainty of the sheep's reaction to the stranger. The Greek word for "flee" is "pheugō," which implies a strong, instinctive reaction to escape from danger. This reflects the natural response of believers to false teachings or influences that threaten their spiritual well-being. Historically, sheep are known for their vulnerability and instinct to flee from perceived threats, which underscores the protective nature of the Good Shepherd who guides them away from harm. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to remain vigilant and discerning, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid spiritual deception.

because they do not recognize his voice
The word "because" introduces the reason for the sheep's behavior. The term "recognize" in Greek is "oida," which conveys a deep, intimate knowledge or awareness. This suggests that the sheep have a profound understanding of their Shepherd's voice, cultivated through a relationship built on trust and familiarity. The "voice" represents the teachings and character of Christ, which are distinct and recognizable to His followers. In the historical context, shepherds would spend significant time with their sheep, leading to a bond where the sheep could distinguish their shepherd's voice from others. This serves as an allegory for the believer's relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of knowing His Word and being attuned to His guidance amidst the myriad of competing voices in the world.

(5) And a stranger will they not follow.--The " stranger" is any one other than their own shepherd, and the term is not to be limited to the "thief" and "robber" of John 10:1. The thought is of the flock following the shepherd to the pasture. On the road they would meet other persons whom they would not follow. Some would, as thieves and robbers, seek to lead them away, calling them by their names and imitating their shepherd's cry; but they have, by long usage, got to know his voice, and will not follow a stranger.

But will flee from him.--A strange word is a source of alarm to them. With the known tone of the shepherd's voice they have learnt to associate protection, guidance, food. His voice recalls these associations. A stranger's voice is something unknown, and therefore feared. It is as the voice of a plundering Arab who has called the flock before, or as the cry of a wild beast who has broken into the fold at night. The associations with unfamiliar words are only of things which are evil.

Verse 5. - But a stranger will they by no means follow, for they know not the voice of strangers. The negative is strongly expressed. The sheep, who know their shepherd's voice, will not take the lead of a stranger or an alien; i.e. of a "thief or robber." If these secure the sheep at all, it is by violence or stealth, by unfair means, by illegitimate methods.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they will never follow
ἀκολουθήσουσιν (akolouthēsousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

a stranger;
ἀλλοτρίῳ (allotriō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 245: From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile.

in fact,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

they will flee
φεύξονται (pheuxontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5343: To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

they do not recognize
οἴδασιν (oidasin)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

[his] voice.”
φωνήν (phōnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.


Links
John 10:5 NIV
John 10:5 NLT
John 10:5 ESV
John 10:5 NASB
John 10:5 KJV

John 10:5 BibleApps.com
John 10:5 Biblia Paralela
John 10:5 Chinese Bible
John 10:5 French Bible
John 10:5 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 10:5 They will by no means follow (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 10:4
Top of Page
Top of Page