02/26/2026
**John 10:16 in the King James Version (KJV)** reads:
> And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
This verse is part of Jesus' teaching where He describes Himself as the **Good Shepherd** (John 10:11–18), using the metaphor of sheep and a shepherd to explain His relationship with His followers.
# # # Meaning and Explanation
In context, Jesus is speaking to Jewish religious leaders and crowds after healing a blind man (John 9–10). He contrasts Himself as the true Shepherd with false leaders (thieves and robbers).
- **"This fold"** refers to the current group of believers, primarily the Jewish people (or specifically the faithful remnant of Israel who recognize and follow Him). The "fold" represents the covenant people of Israel under the old system.
- **"Other sheep... which are not of this fold"** means people outside the Jewish fold—most commonly interpreted as **Gentiles** (non-Jews) from all nations. These are individuals who belong to Christ but have not yet been gathered in, as they are not part of the Jewish nation or its religious structure.
- **"Them also I must bring"** shows Jesus' mission extends beyond Israel. He will actively draw them to Himself (through His death, resurrection, and the preaching of the gospel by His followers).
- **"They shall hear my voice"** emphasizes that true followers (whether Jew or Gentile) recognize Jesus' call and respond in faith, just as sheep know their shepherd's voice.
- **"There shall be one fold [or more accurately, one flock], and one shepherd"** points to unity. Instead of separate groups, all believers—Jews and Gentiles—will form **one unified flock** under Jesus as the single Shepherd. This fulfills prophecies about God gathering people from all nations (e.g., Isaiah 56:8) and breaks down barriers, creating one body in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16; Galatians 3:28).
This verse highlights the **universal scope** of Jesus' salvation: His mission isn't limited to the Jews but includes all who will hear and follow Him, leading to one church (the body of Christ) with Jesus as head.
(Note: Some groups, like Latter-day Saints, interpret the "other sheep" as referring to ancient peoples in the Americas or lost tribes of Israel, based on additional scriptures. However, the mainstream Christian understanding in most Protestant, Catholic, and evangelical traditions sees it as Gentiles/non-Jews being included in God's people through faith in Christ.)
This passage is often seen as a key missionary text, showing Jesus' plan for the gospel to reach the whole world.
