Luke 15

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

What does Luke 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Luke 15:5 is part of the Parable of the Lost Sheep told by Jesus.

In this parable, Jesus describes a shepherd who has one hundred sheep and loses one.

Instead of staying with the ninety-nine that are safe, the shepherd goes out to find the one that is lost.

When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and carries it home.

The literal meaning of the verse emphasizes the shepherd's care and diligence in recovering the lost sheep.

On a deeper level, it represents God's immense love and relentless pursuit of sinners or those who have strayed from Him.

The rejoicing signifies the joy God feels when a lost soul is brought back into the fold.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The Parable of the Lost Sheep, found in Luke 15:3-7, is part of a collection of teachings by Jesus that use everyday experiences of his audience to illustrate spiritual truths.

The parable is set against the backdrop of the pastoral economy of ancient Palestine, where sheep farming was a common occupation, and the audience would have been familiar with the responsibilities and challenges faced by shepherds.

The parable addresses the Pharisees’ and scribes’ criticism of Jesus for welcoming and eating with sinners.

Jesus responds with this parable to explain God's inclusive love and the importance of repentance and redemption.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer nuances on the interpretation of this verse:

Traditional Christian theology sees this parable as an expression of God’s grace.

The act of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep parallels God's initiative in seeking sinners.

Calvinist theology might emphasize the doctrine of election, highlighting that God intentionally seeks out those who are to be saved.
Arminianism focuses on free will, with the perspective that the lost sheep represents those who have the freedom to be lost but also to be found.
Catholic theology often uses this parable in the context of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, emphasizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in various ways:

It encourages individuals to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, knowing that there is joy in their return.
It challenges communities and churches to be welcoming and to actively seek out those who feel lost or marginalized.
It serves as a reminder for those in leadership to prioritize care for every member, especially those who are at risk of being overlooked.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:12-14: "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?"
Ezekiel 34:16: "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick..."
1 Peter 2:25: "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words and their meanings include:

"found" (εὑρὼν): The term implies a search that has reached a successful conclusion.
"layeth" (ἐπιτίθησιν): To place upon, indicating a deliberate and gentle action.
"shoulders" (ὤμοις): The region from the neck to the arms, suggesting strength and support.
"rejoicing" (χαίρων): Conveys a sense of joy, gladness, or delight.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as those of Sumer and Egypt, shepherd motifs were also used to symbolize leadership and care.

In Mesopotamian literature, kings were often described as shepherds of their people.

In Christianity, the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is central and is a direct continuation of the Judaic tradition of leaders being shepherds to their flock.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse may be discussed in relation to the social behavior and herding instincts of sheep, which are known to follow a leader and to stick together as a flock.

The behavior of the shepherd reflects an understanding of these natural inclinations and the importance of group cohesion for the survival of individual animals.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Luke 15:5:

William Barclay highlights the joy of finding the lost, reflecting the joy God takes in repentant sinners.
John MacArthur emphasizes the shepherd's work as an image of Christ's seeking and saving the lost.
Matthew Henry discusses the patience and love of the shepherd, who does not punish the stray sheep but rather carries it home, symbolizing the gentleness of God’s redemption.

Luke 15

Luke 15

What does Luke 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?