John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Jesus speaks to those questioning whether he is the Christ, telling them they do not believe because they are not his sheep. He then describes the marks of those who are.
What Does John 10:27 Mean?
John 10:27 gives a simple, threefold description of those who truly belong to Christ: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." In one short sentence Jesus sketches the whole shape of life with him -- hearing, being known, and following.
First, "My sheep hear my voice." Sheep that belong to a shepherd recognize his voice amid all others and respond to it. To hear Christ's voice means to recognize his words as true and to heed them. Second, "I know them" -- the personal, intimate knowing of the shepherd for his own; he is not unaware of a single one. Third, "they follow me." Hearing and being known issue naturally in following -- going where the shepherd leads, keeping close to him. These three belong together as one living relationship: the sheep hear, the shepherd knows, the sheep follow. Notice that the relationship runs in both directions, with Christ's knowing at its center. This verse sets up the magnificent promise that follows about eternal security, but on its own it offers a quiet test and comfort: those who hear his voice and follow are his, and he knows them. To belong to Christ is to live within this gentle, trustworthy bond.
In the Original Language
The Greek "akouousin" (hear) means to listen and heed, not merely to perceive sound. "Akolouthousin" (follow) pictures disciples walking after their shepherd.
Cross References
“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
- John 10:4
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
- John 10:14
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
- John 10:28
Application
Learn to recognize and heed Christ's voice, and follow where he leads. This is the simple, daily shape of belonging to the good shepherd who knows you.