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 5:32 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:32 is a statement attributed to Jesus, providing insight into the focus of his ministry. It comes as a response to the Pharisees and scribes who were criticizing Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners.

The verse speaks to Jesus' mission of bringing spiritual healing to those who recognize their own failings and need for repentance. It implies that the self-righteous, who believe they are already virtuous, may not see the need for Jesus' message.

However, those acknowledged as "sinners" would be more open to transformation and redemption.

Thus, this verse emphasizes the inclusive nature of Jesus' call to salvation.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were a group known for strict adherence to the Jewish Law and traditions.

Sinners and tax collectors were often seen as outcasts and were shunned by the religious elite.

Tax collectors were especially despised as they collected taxes for the Roman authorities and were frequently accused of corruption.

Within this societal framework, Jesus' interactions with these marginalized individuals were scandalous.

His audience would have understood his statement as radical, signaling a break from the religious establishment's exclusivity.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse offers insights into the nature of grace and redemption. In Christianity, the concept of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is central.

This verse suggests that acknowledging one's own sinfulness is a necessary precondition for redemption. It aligns with the Christian belief that all humans are sinners and in need of salvation, and that Jesus seeks to save those who recognize this need.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to practice humility and self-reflection.

It suggests that one should not take a posture of self-righteousness but rather recognize personal imperfections and need for forgiveness.

In social contexts, it promotes inclusion and reaching out to those who may be marginalized or judged by others.

The notion of not just associating with the "righteous" but being open to all people resonates with broader teachings of compassion and empathy.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:13: "But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
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."
1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text worth examining are:

"righteous" (δικαίους, dikaious): Often refers to those who are upright or just.

In this context, it may imply those who see themselves as living in accordance with the Law.

"sinners" (ἁμαρτωλοὺς, hamartōlous): Typically used to describe those who have missed the mark or are in a state of moral error.
"repentance" (μετάνοιαν, metanoian): A change of mind or attitude that signifies a turning away from sin and a turning toward God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and mythologies, there were often deities associated with justice or moral behaviour, but the concept of a god specifically reaching out to the morally corrupt or sinners is more unique to Christianity.

In Judaism, there is an emphasis on the law, atonement, and repentance, but the figure of Jesus represents a more personal approach to these themes.

In some Eastern traditions, such as Hinduism or Buddhism, there is the idea of a spiritual teacher aiding in the liberation from ignorance or sin, yet this is not typically framed in terms of sin and repentance.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse does not intersect with empirical data or theories.

However, psychology might support the idea that self-awareness and acknowledgment of one's faults are steps towards personal growth.

From a sociological perspective, embracing outcasts, as Jesus did, may lead to more inclusive and supportive communities, which has positive implications for societal health and well-being.

Commentaries

Commentaries by biblical scholars tend to affirm that in this verse, Jesus is articulating the central purpose of his ministry, to offer redemption to those who are in most need of it and recognize it.

Some commentators emphasize that the 'righteous' Jesus refers to are those who are self-righteous, in contrast to the 'sinners' who are aware of their spiritual poverty.

St.

Augustine once noted that the church is a "hospital for sinners, not a club for saints." This interpretation by Augustine underscores the universal need for divine mercy, which is at the heart of this verse's message.

Other scholars discuss the social aspect, pointing out how Jesus challenged the religious norms of his time by openly associating with those deemed unworthy.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:32 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 5:32 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?