Luke 15:1
What does Luke 15:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:1 means
This verse describes the company Jesus kept, specifically "publicans and sinners" who were drawn to hear His teaching. Publicans were Jewish tax collectors working for the Roman occupiers, often known for corruption. They, along with other notorious sinners, were usually avoided by religious people. Their eagerness to listen demonstrates Jesus' radical approach of welcoming those considered outcasts, offering hope and inclusion to those typically shunned by pious society. It underscores His mission to seek and save the lost, not to condemn them, setting the stage for the parables that follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now all the tax-farmers and sinners came near to give ear to him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming nigh to him, to hear him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now the publicans and sinners drew near unto him to hear him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near to him to hear him;
Context
This verse sets the immediate scene for the entire chapter. It introduces the audience Jesus is speaking to and also highlights the presence of those who would soon criticize Him. Understanding who was listening to Jesus and who was observing Him is crucial to grasping the purpose and thrust of the parables that follow, as they directly address the attitudes present in this gathering.
v.1This passage
v.2And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:15
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:
- Romans 5:20
And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- Luke 5:29
And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at meat with them.
- Luke 13:30
And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last.
- Ezekiel 18:27
Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
- Matthew 9:10
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
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