Luke 15:7
What does Luke 15:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 15:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 15:7 means
Jesus concludes the parable of the lost sheep by explicitly stating its spiritual meaning: there is greater joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people who believe they don't need repentance. This directly challenges the Pharisees' self-righteousness, suggesting their perceived righteousness might blind them to their own spiritual need. It beautifully reveals God's heart for the lost and emphasizes the immense value He places on repentance and restoration, not merely adherence to rules.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I say to you that even so there will be more joy in heaven when one sinner is turned away from his wrongdoing, than for ninety-nine good men, who have no need of a change of heart.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I say to you, that so joy shall be in the heaven over one sinner reforming, rather than over ninety-nine righteous men, who have no need of reformation.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I say to you that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I say unto you, that thus there shall be joy in heaven for one repenting sinner, [more] than for ninety and nine righteous who have no need of repentance.
Context
This verse provides the critical interpretation of the parable of the lost sheep, directly applying its lesson to the spiritual realm. It moves beyond the narrative to explain the heavenly perspective on repentance, contrasting it sharply with the Pharisees' dismissive view of sinners. This interpretation sets the theological groundwork for the subsequent parables, reinforcing God's deep desire for the lost to be found.
v.6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.
v.7This passage
v.8Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 16:15
And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
- Luke 15:29
But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
- Luke 5:32
I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
- Philippians 3:6
as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
- Romans 7:9
And I was alive apart from the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died;
- Luke 15:32
But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
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