This verse may imply that there are other sheep in the fold that do not recognize the shepherd’s voice and so will not follow him. If so, this parable has a cutting edge. Jesus is not only speaking of those who hear his voice and follow him; he is also directing a polemic against those who refuse to acknowledge him and obey his voice.

In the clause when he has brought them out, the pronoun them actually translates “all his own” (Revised Standard Version). Good News Translation uses a pronoun in this verse because the pronoun follows the noun phrase his own sheep of the preceding verse.

The verb brought … out translates the same verb used in 9.34, where it means “to put out (of the synagogue).” Obviously the meaning “to bring out” or “to lead out” is intended here.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .