Luke 15

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

What does Luke 15:7 mean?

Explanation

Luke 15:7 is a core part of the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus is teaching about the value of repentance.

He expresses the idea that there is greater joy in heaven for a single sinner who repents compared to many righteous individuals who do not need to repent.

This reflects the Christian belief that God is eager to forgive and redeem those who have gone astray and turn back to Him.

The emphasis of this verse is not on comparing the worth of different individuals but on the celebration of redemption and return to righteousness.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, written to convey the teachings and life of Jesus to a primarily Greek-speaking audience.

The author aimed to present a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and values in a way that was accessible to non-Jewish readers.

Luke is traditionally thought to be a companion of St.

Paul, writing in the late first century.

This verse reflects a society structured around religious purity, where sinners were often marginalized, and the Pharisees and scribes held significant religious authority and influence.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Luke 15:7 underlines the doctrine of grace. It implies that God's love and forgiveness are boundless.

The concept of repentance is central in many denominations of Christianity, in that it recognizes human sinfulness and the importance of turning back to God.

Theological interpretations may vary; some view the "ninety and nine just persons" as those who are self-righteous, whereas others see them as genuinely righteous people who rejoice in the sinner's repentance.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can encourage individuals to seek forgiveness and transformation without fear of judgment.

It can be a means of inspiration for those who feel they are too far gone to be welcomed back or forgiven.

The underlying message promotes inclusivity, compassion, and rejoicing in the positive changes of others rather than being exclusionary or judgmental.

Cross-References

Luke 15:10 - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Luke 15:4 - "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"
Ezekiel 18:23 - "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
Matthew 18:12-14 - "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?"
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text for "repenteth" is "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), which means to have a change of mind, to rethink, or to change one's purpose. It indicates a transformative change of heart toward God.

The word "joy" translated from "χαρά" (chara) signifies gladness or delight, suggesting a profound celebration in heaven.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religious traditions, there are concepts similar to repentance.

For instance, in Judaism, the idea of "teshuva" is a return to God and the path of righteousness.

In some ancient myths, prodigal figures undergo transformative journeys leading to redemption, paralleling the tale of the repentant sinner.

Scientific Perspectives

The psychological concept of metanoia in modern clinical psychology overlaps with the religious concept of repentance, implying a mental shift or transformation.

Science might investigate the effects of such changes on personal well-being and societal dynamics, supporting the notion that profound internal change can lead to beneficial outcomes.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians highlight different aspects of this verse.

Some underscore God's mercy and the theme of repentance. Others focus on community aspects, recognizing that the community of believers should also rejoice and welcome those who are repentant.

Commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize the mercy of God and the importance of heavenly joy, while others, such as William Barclay, have highlighted the social and religious dynamics at play, including the critique of the self-righteousness of the Pharisees during Jesus' time.

Luke 15

Luke 15

What does Luke 15:7 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 15:7 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?