4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
4 When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice.
4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 10:4
Commentary on John 10:1-5
(Read John 10:1-5)
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.