John 10:5

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 10:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
John 10:5 — American Standard Version

Context — John 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And a stranger will they not follow, etc.] One that knows not Christ, is not sent by him, and who does not preach him: but will flee from him; shun him and his ministry, as not only disagreeable, but dangerous: for they know not the voice of strangers: they do not approve of their doctrine, nor take any delight in it, or receive any profit from it. The Persic version, as before, reads, “neither will the lambs ever go after strange sheep, and if they see [them], they will flee [from them]”.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A stranger ... - This was literally true of a flock. Accustomed to the voice and presence of a kind shepherd, they would not regard the command of a stranger. It is also true spiritually. Jesus by this indicates that the true people of God will not follow false teachers - those who are proud, haughty, and self-seeking, as were the Pharisees. Many may follow such, but humble and devoted Christians seek those who have the mild and self-denying spirit of their Master and Great Shepherd. It is also true in reference to those who are pastors in the churches. They have an influence which no stranger or wandering minister can have. A church learns to put confidence in a pastor; he knows the wants…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They will not follow a stranger - One whom Christ hath not sent, who doth not answer the preceding description. Him they will not follow - And who can constrain them to it? But will flee from him - As from the plague. For they know not the voice of strangers - They cannot relish it; it is harsh and grating to them. They find nothing of God therein. John 10:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Kg1 22:7; Pro 19:27; Mar 4:24; Luk 8:18; Eph 4:11-15; Col 2:6-10; Ti2 3:5-7, Ti2 4:3; Pe1 2:1-3; Jo1 2:19, Jo1 2:21, Jo1 4:5, Jo1 4:6; Rev 2:2 John 10:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification