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 5:33 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Luke 5:33 seems to present a contrast between the practices of fasting and prayer as observed by John the Baptist's disciples and the Pharisees, and the behavior of Jesus' own disciples.

Questioners are asking Jesus why His disciples do not fast and pray as often as the others do, implying that they are not as devout or rigorous in their spiritual disciplines.

This inquiry is directed towards understanding Jesus' approach to traditional Jewish customs of piety, particularly fasting, which was commonly practiced as a sign of mourning, repentance, or spiritual preparation.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, fasting was a common religious practice among many Jewish people.

It was often associated with penitence, mourning, and a way to draw near to God.

The Pharisees were a group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their own rabbinic traditions.

John the Baptist, a prophetic figure, also had disciples who fasted routinely, which was associated with his message of repentance and the coming Kingdom of God.

When this verse was presented, Jesus and His disciples were partaking in the new wine of the Kingdom of God, which marked a departure from Old Testament practices, emphasizing inner transformation over outward observances.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse is often interpreted to signify the arrival of a new era through Jesus' ministry.

The old practices of fasting and ritual prayers are seen as having their place, but with Jesus' coming, the focus shifts to a relationship with God that is characterized by joy and celebration, not just mourning and penitence.

This encounter pushes readers to ponder the purpose of religious practices and the nature of the Kingdom of God that Jesus was ushering in.

Practical Applications

In modern times, this verse can challenge individuals to assess their own religious practices.

It encourages believers to reflect on whether their spiritual disciplines are carried out with genuine devotion or merely as a form of ritual compliance.

It also encourages the embracing of spiritual freedom and joy found in relationship with Jesus, rather than being bound to legalistic traditions.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:14-15: "Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?"
Mark 2:18-19: "And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?"
Isaiah 58:5-6: "Is it such a fast that I have chosen?...

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"Fast" (νηστεύω, nēsteuō): To abstain from food for religious reasons.
"Often" (πυκνά, pykna): Frequently or regularly.
"Prayers" (προσευχή, proseuchē): Prayers or supplications to God.
"Eat and drink" (ἐσθίω, esthiō and πίνω, pinō): Consume food and drink, in this context, without the restriction of fasting.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, fasting exists across different religious traditions.

In Islam, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting.

Hinduism also observes various fasts related to different deities and festivals.

The Buddhist practice of Uposatha similarly involves periods of increased spiritual endeavors including fasting.

Jesus' approach to fasting highlights a shift from collective tradition to personal conviction and relationship with God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, modern research on fasting shows numerous health benefits, including improved metabolism, brain function, and longevity.

This verse sparks curiosity about ancient wisdom in religious practices that hold relevance for well-being, even as it prioritizes the spiritual over the physical.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators offer different perspectives on this verse.

Some emphasize the transitional state between old Jewish customs and the new Christian covenant that Jesus represents.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that the question to Jesus stems from concern over religious traditions being neglected but illustrates that Jesus brought in a time for feasting, not fasting.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests that Jesus' refusal to impose fasting on his disciples was deliberate, intended to induce reflection on the nature of messianic times, which were to be times of joy and not sadness.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:33 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 5:33 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?