The gatekeeper opens the gate for himIn the context of ancient Near Eastern shepherding practices, a gatekeeper was responsible for guarding the sheepfold, ensuring that only the rightful shepherd could enter. This imagery highlights the role of divine authority and order. The gatekeeper can be seen as a representation of God the Father, who grants Jesus, the Good Shepherd, access to His flock. This aligns with the biblical theme of Jesus being the only legitimate way to the Father (
John 14:6). The gatekeeper's role underscores the legitimacy and divine approval of Jesus' ministry.
and the sheep listen for his voice
Sheep are known for their ability to recognize the voice of their shepherd, distinguishing it from others. This phrase emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, who are attuned to His teachings and guidance. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the call for believers to discern and follow the voice of truth amidst the many voices in the world (1John 4:1). The ability to hear and respond to Jesus' voice is a mark of true discipleship.
He calls his own sheep by name
This phrase illustrates the personal and individual care Jesus has for each of His followers. In biblical times, shepherds often named their sheep, indicating a deep familiarity and bond. This personal calling signifies the intimate relationship Jesus desires with each believer, echoing the theme of God's personal knowledge and care for His people (Isaiah 43:1). It also reflects the prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah as a shepherd who knows His flock intimately (Ezekiel 34:11-16).
and leads them out
The act of leading the sheep out signifies guidance and provision. In the historical context, shepherds would lead their sheep to pastures for nourishment and safety. This imagery is a metaphor for Jesus leading His followers to spiritual sustenance and protection. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God as a shepherd leading His people, as seen inPsalm 23. This leadership is not coercive but invitational, reflecting Jesus' role as a guide and protector who leads His followers to abundant life (John 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The GatekeeperRepresents God or the Holy Spirit, who opens the way for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to enter and lead His flock.
2.
The ShepherdJesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep personally and leads them with care and authority.
3.
The SheepBelievers who recognize and follow the voice of Jesus, indicating a personal relationship with Him.
4.
The SheepfoldSymbolizes the community of believers or the Church, where the sheep are gathered and protected.
5.
The VoiceRepresents the teachings and guidance of Jesus, which the sheep recognize and follow.
Teaching Points
Recognizing the Shepherd's VoiceBelievers are called to discern and follow the voice of Jesus amidst the many voices in the world. This requires familiarity with His Word and a personal relationship with Him.
Personal Relationship with JesusJesus knows each of His sheep by name, indicating a personal and intimate relationship. Believers should cultivate this relationship through prayer, study, and obedience.
Guidance and LeadershipJesus leads His sheep out, providing direction and purpose. Believers should seek His guidance in all aspects of life, trusting in His perfect plan.
Security in the FoldThe sheepfold represents safety and community. Believers find security and fellowship within the Church, where they are nurtured and protected.
Responding to the CallJust as the sheep respond to the Shepherd's call, believers are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call to follow Him, leading to abundant life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 10:3?
2.How does John 10:3 illustrate Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd?
3.What does "calls his own sheep by name" reveal about Jesus' relationship with us?
4.How can we discern Jesus' voice among worldly distractions, as seen in John 10:3?
5.What Old Testament passages connect with the shepherd imagery in John 10:3?
6.How can we apply "leads them out" to our daily spiritual walk?
7.How does John 10:3 illustrate the relationship between Jesus and His followers?
8.What is the significance of the "gatekeeper" in John 10:3?
9.How does John 10:3 relate to the concept of divine calling?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?
11.What is listening prayer?
12.How do I listen to God's guidance?
13.What does it mean to be God's sheep?
14.What defines the Bible's canonicity?What Does John 10:3 Mean
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him” (John 10:3).
• Jesus enters the flock legitimately; no climbing over walls like a thief (John 10:1).
• The “gatekeeper” pictures God visibly confirming His Son’s identity—seen at the Jordan when “a voice from heaven” affirmed Him (Matthew 3:16-17).
• John the Baptist likewise “prepared the way” (Isaiah 40:3;John 1:6-7), swinging the gate wide through repentance preaching.
• Because the Father has “given all things into His hand” (John 3:35), every barrier yields to the rightful Shepherd.
• A heart that resists Christ is a closed gate; yet when the Father draws, the gate opens (John 6:44;Revelation 3:7).
and the sheep listen for his voice“…and the sheep listen for his voice.”
• True believers develop an ear tuned to Christ. “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
• Hearing is more than audio; it is willing obedience (John 8:47;Romans 10:17).
• Outsiders may hear the same words yet dismiss them (1 Corinthians 2:14).
• Ongoing fellowship keeps the signal clear—daily Scripture intake, prayer, and corporate worship keep us “eager to listen” (James 1:19;Hebrews 10:25).
• When His voice confronts, comforts, or corrects, the sheep recognize the tone of their Shepherd, not a stranger (John 10:5).
He calls his own sheep by name“He calls his own sheep by name…”
• Christ’s call is personal and intimate.Isaiah 43:1 echoes, “I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
• Each believer is individually known—“even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7).
• Salvation is not a faceless transaction; the Shepherd knows personalities, struggles, and potential.
• Ownership is emphasized: “The solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His’” (2 Timothy 2:19).
• Being named assures acceptance and security within the flock (Ephesians 1:4-5;Revelation 3:5).
and leads them out“…and leads them out.”
• The Shepherd never drives from behind; He goes first. “When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them” (John 10:4).
• He leads out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9), out of bondage into freedom (Galatians 5:1).
• The destination is rich pasture—“I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
• Guidance continues: “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3).
• Every new step—school, job, family, ministry—can be taken behind the Shepherd’s sure footing (Proverbs 3:5-6).
summaryJohn 10:3 shows the rightful Shepherd gaining lawful access, gaining attentive ears, calling each sheep personally, and leading them into abundant life. The verse paints a portrait of authentic relationship: the Father endorses the Son; believers respond, recognized and secure; and Christ faithfully guides every onward journey.
(3)
To him the porter openeth.--The word "porter" is not, perhaps, misleading to many, but for the sake of the possible few, it may be noted that
door-keeper is what is here meant. There is no further interpretation of what, in the spiritual fold, corresponds to the office of the porter, whereas the door and the shepherd are successively made the texts of fuller expositions of Christ's own work. We are not, therefore, to regard "the porter" as an essential part of the allegory (comp.
John 10:5), nor need we trouble ourselves with the various expositions which have been given of it. At the same time, we should not forget that the thought is one which impressed itself on the mind of St. Paul. At Ephesus "a great and effectual door was opened unto him" (
1Corinthians 16:9); "when he came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel a door was opened unto him of the Lord" (
2Corinthians 2:12); the Colossians are exhorted to pray that "a door of the word (the gospel) may be opened, to speak the mystery of Christ" (
Colossians 4:3); at the close of the first missionary journey he and Barnabas told how "God had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (
Acts 14:27). We have St. Paul's authority, therefore, for understanding by the "door-keeper," if we are to interpret it here, the Holy Spirit, whose special work it is to determine who are shepherds and sheep, and to call each to the work and position given to him by God. We must be careful to note, with this interpretation, that St. Paul gives divine titles to Him who thus opens the door, lest, from the humble position of the porter in the material fold, we should be led to unworthy thoughts of Him who is "neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding."
And the sheep hear his voice.--The reference is here to the whole of the sheep in the fold; they are all roused as they hear a shepherd's cry, which is the signal for their being led forth to the pastures. . . .
Verse 3. -
To him the porter openeth. The doorkeeper of the fold has been variously interpreted. Bengel and Hengstenberg say, "God himself" is meant; Stier, Alford, and Lange, "the Holy Spirit;" against which interpretations may be urged the subordinate position assigned to the "porter," as compared with the shepherds themselves. Lampe and Godet think that "John the Baptist" was intended; while Meyer and De Wette say that it is one of those elements of the parable which is dropped out of our Lord's own exposition for which we need not seek any special application. Westcott thinks it must vary with the special sense attributed to "sheep" and "shepherd," and float we must think of it as "the Spirit working through his appointed ministers in each case." The "doorkeeper," if Christ be himself the "Door," is the keeper of that door - the agency, the ministry, the ordinances by which the excellences and power of Christ were or are manifested. We are reminded of subsequent use of the imagery in Paul's Epistles (
1 Corinthians 16:9;
2 Corinthians 2:12;
Colossians 4:3; cf.
Acts 14:27); but the full meaning of the phrase is only suggested, and we had better wait for Christ's interpretation of some parts of this allegory. The context provides a specific filling out, first of one part of the imagery, and secondly of another part of it. The two interpretations are not to be forced at one and the same time upon the parable. Our Lord continues:
And the sheep hear hisvoice. When a shepherd approaches the door to fetch the folded sheep which belong to him, the porter opens that door for him
i.
e. a true shepherd who has at heart the interests of the sheep and of their supreme Owner, finds the way made ready for him. In the fold are many flocks. All the sheep give heed to his voice.
He callethhis own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. They know a shepherd calls, and then that shepherd addresses his own sheep by name, and he leads these forth into the pasture. Even in our own pastures the shepherds know each sheep by name. Aristotle ('Hist. Anim.,' 6:19) tells us the bell-wether knew his name, and obeyed his shepherd. Archdeacon Watkins gives a quotation from Theocritus' 'Idylls,' charmingly illustrating the habit. The shepherd, by the mere call to his own sheep, would separate them from these which did not belong to him, and lead them forth to their pasture in the wilderness. This method of Oriental life illustrates the function of all true shepherds of men. It has had many partial fulfillments in the history of the Church and of the world. Daring the period of the old theocratic dispensation, many "thieves and robbers" made havoc of the flock; still there were prophetic and kingly men who, sent by God, found their way to the heart of Israel; many came to know that a prophet had been among them, and they followed him. It is equally true now, though all the external conditions are changed. The full application of this part of the allegory is only seen when "the good Shepherd" seeketh his sheep; but the meaning of the first picture is obscured by hurrying on to the enlarged and double exposition which Christ gave of the two parts of his own parable, and much is lost by endeavoring to force into a primary exposition of vers. 1-6 the features borrowed from a twofold interpretation of the separate ideas suggested by the composite image.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gatekeeperθυρωρὸς(thyrōros)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2377:A door-keeper, porter. From thura and ouros; a gate- warden.opens [the gate]ἀνοίγει(anoigei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455:To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.for him,τούτῳ(toutō)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτὰ(ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sheepπρόβατα(probata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263:A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.listen forἀκούει(akouei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.voice.φωνῆς(phōnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456:Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.He callsφωνεῖ(phōnei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5455:From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.[his]τὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ownἴδια(idia)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2398:Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.sheepπρόβατα(probata)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263:A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.byκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).nameὄνομα(onoma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.leads them out.ἐξάγει(exagei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1806:To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth.
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NT Gospels: John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (Jhn Jo Jn) 
