John 10:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
American Standard Version (ASV)
When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
When he has got them all out, he goes before them, and the sheep go after him, for they have knowledge of his voice.
Webster's Revision
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
World English Bible
Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
English Revised Version (ERV)
When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Clarke's John 10:4 Bible Commentary
He goeth before them - A sixth mark of a true pastor is, he gives them a good example: he not only preaches, but he lives, the truth of the Gospel; he enters into the depths of the salvation of God; and, having thus explored the path, he knows how to lead those who are entrusted to his care into the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of peace. He who does not endeavor to realize in his own soul the truths which he preaches to others will soon be as salt without its savor; his preaching cannot be accompanied with that unction which alone can make it acceptable and profitable to those whose hearts are right with God. The minister who is in this state of salvation the sheep, genuine Christians, will follow, for they know his voice. It was the custom in the eastern countries for the shepherd to go at the head of his sheep, and they followed him from pasture to pasture. I have seen many hundreds of sheep thus following their shepherd on the extensive downs in the western parts of England.
Barnes's John 10:4 Bible Commentary
He putteth forth - Or leads them out of the fold.
He goeth before them - He leads them, and guides them, and does not leave them. A shepherd spent his time with his flocks. He went before them to seek the best pastures and watering-places, and to defend them from danger. In this is beautifully represented the tender care of him who watches for souls as one that must give account.
Wesley's John 10:4 Bible Commentary
10:4 He goeth before them - In all the ways of God, teaching them in every point, by example as well as by precept; and the sheep follow him - They tread in his steps: for they know his voice - Having the witness in themselves that his words are the wisdom and the power of God. Reader, art thou a shepherd of souls? Then answer to God. Is it thus with thee and thy flock?