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 5:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 5:31, "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick," conveys a message using a metaphor, comparing physical illness to spiritual or moral need.

Jesus was responding to the Pharisees and scribes who questioned His choice to dine with tax collectors and sinners.

The "whole" refers to those who believe they are righteous and do not need spiritual healing, while “they that are sick” refers to those who are aware of their sins and shortcomings and recognize their need for a Savior.

The deeper meaning suggests that Jesus came to offer salvation to those who acknowledge their need for it.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse comes from the Gospel of Luke, which portrays Jesus's interaction with the downtrodden and outcasts of society.

During Jesus's time, tax collectors were often despised by the Jewish community for their association with the Roman Empire and their reputation for dishonesty.

In this context, Jesus was criticized by the religious leaders for associating with such individuals, challenging the social norms of the day.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underlines the universal nature of Jesus's mission, emphasizing that His healing and salvation are available to all, especially those who are spiritually destitute.

Different viewpoints might focus on the concept of grace (unmerited favor toward the unworthy) or highlight the importance of humility and the acknowledgment of one's sins to receive God's forgiveness.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching could encourage individuals to be more accepting and nonjudgmental towards others, reminding them that everyone is in need of compassion and healing in some way.

This extends to personal introspection, where individuals are prompted to recognize their own faults and seek improvement or redemption.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:12: "But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."
Mark 2:17: "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text include:

"whole" (ὑγιαίνοντας - hugiainontas): Often used to refer to good physical health, but can also mean sound or unimpaired.
"physician" (ἰατρὸν - iatron): Refers to a healer or doctor.
"sick" (κακῶς - kakōs): This term can mean those who are ill or in poor condition, both physically and metaphorically.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other ancient beliefs often reveal similar themes of deities or prophets who come to aid those in need.

For example, in some Greek myths, gods like Asclepius were revered for their healing powers.

In religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, there is an emphasis on a spiritual guide aiding individuals in overcoming their shortcomings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, while the verse speaks metaphorically rather than medically, contemporary medicine acknowledges the importance of addressing both physical and mental health needs.

The idea that emotional and spiritual well-being can influence physical health is recognized in fields like psychosomatic medicine and holistic healthcare.

Commentaries

Various expert commentaries on this verse view it as a cornerstone of Jesus's ministry, indicating His openness to helping all, regardless of status. They often emphasize the contrast between Jesus's inclusive approach and the exclusive attitude of the Pharisees.

This verse is also cited in discussions on the nature of sin and salvation, helping to shape Christian understanding of redemption as available to all who seek it earnestly.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:31 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 5:31 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?