Luke 15:10
What does Luke 15:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:10 means
Jesus explains the meaning of the lost coin parable: just as there is human joy over a found coin, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." This isn't just God's joy, but a shared jubilation among all of heaven's hosts when a lost child of God returns. It reiterates the divine priority on repentance and underscores the immense value God places on each individual, contrasting the heavenly perspective with the earthly, judgmental views of the Pharisees.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Even so, I say to you, There is joy among the angels of God, when one sinner is turned away from his wrongdoing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`So I say to you, joy doth come before the messengers of God over one sinner reforming.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thus, I say unto you, there is joy before the angels ofGod for one repenting sinner.
Context
This verse delivers the punchline of the lost coin parable, explicitly stating its spiritual truth and directly connecting it to the heavenly realm. It reinforces the message of verse 7, demonstrating that the joy over repentance is not a unique occurrence but a consistent theme in God's kingdom. This sets the stage for the third and longest parable, which will explore these themes with even greater depth and nuance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 18:32
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live.
- Luke 7:47
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
- Luke 13:5
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
- Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.
- Ezekiel 18:23
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?
- Luke 2:1
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.
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