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 5:4 mean?

Explanation

[Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.] Luke 5:4 can be literally understood as Jesus Christ instructing Simon Peter to sail his fishing boat into deeper waters and to cast his nets again, even after an unsuccessful night of fishing.

The deeper meaning involves themes of faith, trust, and obedience.

Simon (also known as Peter) is asked to trust in Jesus' command despite his own experience and knowledge as a fisherman.

The "deep" waters can symbolize the unknown or areas beyond one's comfort zone, where faith is tested.

The promise of a "draught" of fish indicates a reward for this trust.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, believed to have been written around AD 80 to 110.

The historical context is set in Galilee during the early ministry of Jesus.

Fishing was a common trade in the Sea of Galilee, and those listening to Jesus would be familiar with the frustrations and challenges of fishing.

Peter and his companions are professionals in this trade, which adds weight to the narrative when Jesus, seemingly an outsider to this profession, suggests they try again after they have failed to catch anything all night.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often viewed as a metaphor for evangelism and discipleship.

Just as Peter is called to cast his nets into the deep, believers are called to "cast their nets" or spread the word of God into the "deep" or the broader world.

The act of letting down the nets again symbolizes perseverance and faith in God's promise.

Some theologians may interpret the "draught" as the gathering of believers or the gifts that come from following Jesus.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the verse can be applied to daily life by encouraging individuals to persevere through difficulties, to step out of their comfort zones based on faith, and to trust in guidance that may seem illogical or counterintuitive at first.

It also speaks to being open to new methods or directions, even when one's own expertise or past experiences may suggest otherwise.

Cross-References

Matthew 4:19: "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
John 21:6: "And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.

They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."

Luke 5:5: "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."

Language Study

The original Greek text provides further insight into specific terms:

"Launch out" (ἐπανάγω, epanagō): to lead up to a higher place; here, it means to put to sea, or move out from the land.
"Deep" (βάθος, bathos): profound or depth of the sea.
"Let down" (χαλάω, chalao): to lower or to let go down.
"Nets" (δίκτυα, diktya): fishing nets.
"Draught" (ἄγρα, agra): a catch, the result of fishing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The narrative of a divine figure providing success in fishing after a fruitless human effort is unique to the Christian Gospels.

However, the motif of trusting in divine wisdom over human knowledge can be found across various cultures and religions. Ancient myths often depict gods guiding heroes to success when they yield to divine will.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly touch on scientific elements, but modern fishing practices echo the importance of trusting in knowledge beyond immediate perception, such as understanding fish patterns and ecosystem science.

The instruction to fish in deeper waters might also be seen as an early understanding of fish behavior, as certain species may be more bountiful in deeper waters at particular times.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse often focus on the faith and obedience displayed by Simon Peter.

John Gill commented on the significance of Jesus’ instruction to fish in deeper waters as an indication of His sovereignty over nature.

Matthew Henry discusses the faith demonstrated by Simon's willingness to obey Jesus' command.

Many also compare this event with the miraculous catch of fish in John 21, noting the post-resurrection parallel and the symbolism of Jesus leading His followers to great success in their mission.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:4 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 5:4 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?