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 5:22 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:22 describes an episode where Jesus astutely perceives the inner thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees.

These religious leaders were questioning the legitimacy of Jesus' claim to forgive sins, which is depicted in the preceding verses with the healing of a paralytic man.

Notably, Jesus responds to their silent skepticism, thus revealing His divine insight.

The verse underscores Jesus' divine nature, as knowing the thoughts of others is an attribute associated with God. It confronts the central question of Jesus' identity and authority, providing a moment where the implicit challenge to His divine role is made explicit through His response.

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Historical Context

The verse is set during the time of Jesus' early ministry, which was characterized by teaching, performing miracles, and announcing the Kingdom of God.

In the social and religious context of 1st-century Judea, religious leaders like the scribes and Pharisees held considerable influence.

They were the interpreters of the Mosaic Law and were concerned with maintaining religious orthodoxy.

The act of claiming to forgive sins was seen by them as blasphemous since, within Jewish theology of the time, only God had the authority to forgive sins.

This event would have been a significant confrontation between Jesus and the established religious authority.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on Christology, which deals with the nature and work of Christ.

Some Christian doctrines interpret this passage as a clear indication of Jesus' divinity and omniscience. By perceiving the thoughts of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus demonstrates an attribute of God, thus asserting His divinity.

Furthermore, this verse challenges the religious leaders' understanding of messiahship and foreshadows the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities that eventually leads to the crucifixion.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 5:22 can inspire believers to consider the transparency of their own thoughts and intentions before God, who is believed to discern the hearts and minds of all.

It encourages self-reflection and honesty in one's spiritual life, reminding individuals that nothing is hidden from the divine perspective.

Additionally, it can serve as a call to recognize divine authority and respond to it with faith instead of skepticism.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:4: "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?"
Psalm 44:21: "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."
Jeremiah 17:10: "I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
Hebrews 4:13: "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word “perceiving” (ἐπιγνούς) has a connotation of deep awareness or recognition, indicating more than just a casual understanding.

When Jesus answers (ἀποκριθεὶς), the verb conveys an engagement or addressing distinctly, signifying a direct and purposeful response.

The phrase "reason ye in your hearts" translates from "διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν," with "διαλογίζεσθε" relating to inner deliberation or questioning and "ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν" referring to within their hearts, highlighting the inward nature of their doubts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The ability to perceive thoughts is a motif in various religious traditions. In Hindu texts, for example, deities and sages are often described as omniscient.

The concept of a deity knowing human thoughts is also present in the Hebrew Bible, as God is portrayed as the searcher of hearts.

In the context of the Greco-Roman world, gods and demigods were sometimes ascribed the gift of foresight or knowledge of human affairs, though their engagement with human thoughts wasn’t as personal or ethical as in the Jewish and Christian traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of thought and perception do not support the idea that one individual can literally know the thoughts of another without communication.

Instead, neuroscience demonstrates that thought processes are a complex function of the brain’s chemistry and electrical activity.

The ability to perceive another's thoughts would therefore be considered outside the realm of current scientific explanations, and the verse is instead interpreted within religious, philosophical, or metaphysical frameworks.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have offered insights into Luke 5:22.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the godly wisdom and power of Jesus in knowing the hearts of men and the absurdity of challenging His authority.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the palpable tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, as well as the messianic implications of His ability to read thoughts.

Moreover, modern scholars often explore the Christological implications of this verse, reinforcing the interpretation of Jesus' actions and knowledge as evidence of His divine nature and pointing to the escalating conflict that defines His ministry and path to the cross.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:22 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 5:22 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?