Luke 5

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

What does Luke 5:12 mean?

Explanation

In Luke 5:12, we are presented with a brief yet profound account of an encounter between Jesus and a man with leprosy.

The verse captures a moment of deep desperation and hope.

Leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease, was a highly stigmatized and incurable condition in Jesus' time, often causing individuals to become social outcasts.

The man afflicted with leprosy breaks social norms by approaching Jesus.

His faith is evident as he acknowledges Jesus' authority and power to heal by stating, "if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." The phrase indicates not only the man's belief in Jesus' ability to heal him but also his submission to Jesus' will, whatever that might be.

The man's action of falling on his face is a gesture of reverence and an appeal for mercy.

This encounter sets the stage for a demonstration of Jesus' compassion and divine authority.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, leprosy was viewed not just as a physical ailment but also as a spiritual impurity.

According to the Law of Moses, people with leprosy were declared unclean and were required to live apart from the community (Leviticus 13:45-46).

The encounter occurs in an unspecified city mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, during Jesus' ministry in Galilee.

This period was characterized by the Roman occupation of the region and the prevailing Jewish religious system that strictly adhered to purity laws.

It is within this context that Jesus' willingness to engage with and heal a leper is particularly radical and significant.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches upon themes of purity, compassion, faith, and the messianic mission of Jesus.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, this event is often interpreted as a testament to Jesus' willingness to cleanse and accept those deemed unclean by society. By falling on his face, the leper shows a profound belief in Jesus' messianic identity and power.

Some theologians may view Jesus' response as indicative of his role in bringing about a new covenant where purity laws are transcended by the law of love and mercy.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to show compassion to those who are marginalized or stigmatized in society, following the example set by Jesus. It also encourages the faithful to approach God with humility, recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His will.

Furthermore, it serves as an example of how faith can manifest in actions, suggesting that believers should actively seek God's intervention in their lives with an understanding spirit.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:2-3: "And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.

And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Mark 1:40-42: "And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed."

Leviticus 13:45-46: "And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean.

All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be."

Language Study

The key phrase from the KJV, "if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean," uses language that highlights the man's deference to Jesus' authority.

The word "wilt" (Greek: θέλεις, theleis) signifies a desire or volition.

The word "canst" (Greek: δύνασαι, dynasai) denotes ability or power.

The word "clean" (Greek: καθαρίσαι, katharisai) refers not only to physical cleansing from leprosy but also to ritual purification, conveying a return to a state of religious and social acceptance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, leprosy and similar skin diseases were often seen as divine punishment or a sign of moral deficiency.

For instance, in Hinduism, certain illnesses could be interpreted as a result of karma.

The Bible story's focus on healing and restoration stands in contrast to the notion of illness as a permanent mark of divine disfavor.

The approach Jesus takes also contrasts with the stigma associated with leprosy in other cultures, showcasing a message of redemption and inclusivity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands leprosy as a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, a far cry from the incurable status it held in ancient times.

However, the social stigma surrounding diseases, especially those that are visible or disfiguring, persists.

This biblical account can encourage contemporary readers to consider how society treats individuals with chronic or stigmatized illnesses and to promote an attitude of empathy rather than ostracization.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various opinions on this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the leper's belief in the power of Christ's word to heal and the humility he showed in his approach.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of leprosy as a symbol of sin and the leper's appeal to Jesus as an acknowledgment of His divine mission.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes that while lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were outcasts, Jesus did not hesitate to respond with compassion, thus demonstrating His authority over uncleanness and disease.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:12 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 5:12 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?