What Did Jesus Mean by “I Have Other Sheep That Are Not of This Fold”? Who Are These Other Sheep?

Answer:

In John 10:16, Jesus says:

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one Shepherd.”

Jesus, speaking as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), identifies His followers as sheep—those who hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The “fold” He refers to here is the Jewish people, who were the original recipients of God’s covenant promises. According to Scripture, Israel was God’s chosen nation, and the Jews were the first members of His spiritual flock (see Exodus 19:5-6).

In the Old Testament, this is symbolized beautifully. For example:

Ezekiel 34:13-15
“And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land… There they shall lie down in a good fold… I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord GOD.”

This passage shows that God viewed Israel as His sheepfold—a people He gathered, cared for, and nourished. But God’s plan was never limited to just one nation.

When Jesus spoke of “other sheep,” He was referring to those outside the Jewish nation—Gentiles, people from every other nation who were not yet part of God’s covenant. This points to the broader redemptive plan of God, which included bringing salvation to all nations through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Meaning:

God’s intention from the beginning was to create one unified people under one Shepherd—not defined by ethnicity or nationality, but by faith in Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross was the means by which both Jews and Gentiles could be reconciled to God.

Ephesians 2:13-14
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”

Through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier between Jews and Gentiles was removed. Now, anyone who believes in Him becomes part of the one flock under one Shepherd—Jesus.

Galatians 3:27-28
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus’ statement in John 10:16 was not just a reference to a future Gentile mission—it was a prophetic declaration that the Kingdom of God would be open to all people who respond to His voice.

How Does Someone Become One of His Sheep?

Jesus’ sheep are not identified by church attendance, tradition, or religious labels. They are those who:

Hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27)
Repent from sin (Acts 2:38)
Are baptized into His name (Romans 6:3-4)
Receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9)
Live in obedience to His Word (John 14:15)

Being part of His flock is not a matter of nationality, but of new birth and transformation through the Gospel.

Titus 3:5
“…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”