John 10:3–4

Footnotes

1. 4 Or “porter” (British English). There have been many attempts to identify who the doorkeeper represents, none of which are convincing. More likely there are some details in this parable that are included for the sake of the story, necessary as parts of the overall picture but without symbolic significance.
2. 5 The words “the door” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context.
3. 6 Grk “For this one.”
4. 7 Grk “And he.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
5. 8 He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Some interpreters have suggested that there was more than one flock in the fold, and there would be a process of separation where each shepherd called out his own flock. This may also be suggested by the mention of a doorkeeper in v. 3 since only the larger sheepfolds would have such a guard. But the Gospel of John never mentions a distinction among the sheep in this fold; in fact (10:16) there are other sheep which are to be brought in, but they are to be one flock and one shepherd.
6. 9 The word “sheep” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
7. 10 Grk “because they know.”