Bible Strands
John 10:5
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to a group that failed to grasp his previous teaching, extending the shepherd imagery originally introduced in John 10:1-3.
The words — The text records φεύξονται (pheuxontai), meaning "will flee," and ἀλλοτρίῳ (allotriō), meaning "a stranger," to state that sheep actively reject an unrecognized voice.
The thread — This rejection of unfamiliar teaching aligns with the warning in 1 John 4:5 about worldly speakers, while mirroring the instruction to heed authoritative teaching in Proverbs 19:27.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to verify any claimed authority against the recognized voice of Christ, refusing to follow those who lack it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Cross-references
- 1 John 4:5 They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them.
- Colossians 2:6 Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,
- Proverbs 19:27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
- Mark 4:24 He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.
- Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
- 1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
- Revelation 2:2 I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.
- 1 Kings 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”
- Luke 8:18 Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”
- 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!