Devine Scripture

Luke 5:10

What does Luke 5:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 5:10 means

Luke identifies James and John, sons of Zebedee, as partners with Simon, and records Jesus telling Simon not to fear because from now on he will ‘catch men.’ This verse links the miracle to vocation: the fishermen are renamed as fishers of men, indicating a shift from making a living to making disciples. Jesus reassures Simon’s fear and reframes their skills for kingdom work. Naming James and John roots the story in historical persons who later become prominent apostles, reminding readers that ordinary workers were recruited into extraordinary service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were working with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Have no fear; from this time forward you will be a fisher of men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in like manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon; and Jesus said unto Simon, `Fear not, henceforth thou shalt be catching men;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And so were also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and in like manner also on James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; henceforth thou shalt be catching men.

Context

After the miracle and the shared amazement, this verse connects the event to its spiritual purpose and introduces two companions who will be central in later narratives. Jesus’ reassurance and promise of a new mission follow Peter’s confession and set up their immediate response—leaving all to follow him. The verse transitions the scene from a miraculous sign to a vocational call that will reshape these men’s lives and the church’s future.

v.9For he was amazed, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken;

v.10This passage

v.11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all, and followed him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:23

    Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ.

  • Luke 5:7

    and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

  • Luke 6:14

    Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,

  • Ezekiel 47:9

    And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh.

  • Matthew 13:47

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

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