Luke 15:3
What does Luke 15:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:3 means
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' and scribes' murmuring not with a direct rebuke, but by employing a parable. This method of teaching allows Him to convey profound spiritual truths in an accessible, relatable story, inviting His listeners to consider their own hearts and God's perspective. By beginning with "this parable," Jesus signals a coming clarification and defense of His actions, using everyday scenarios to illustrate divine principles that challenge the religious leaders' narrow viewpoint.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he made a story for them, saying,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he spake unto them this simile, saying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he spoke to them this parable, saying:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he spoke to them this parable, saying,
Context
This verse acts as a transition, moving from the description of the conflict in verses 1 and 2 to the parables themselves. It shows Jesus' preferred teaching method of using parables to address contentious issues. This introduction prepares the reader for a series of illuminating stories that will directly address the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders.
v.2And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
v.3This passage
v.4What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
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