Luke 5:7
What does Luke 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 5:7 means
They call their partners in the other boat to help, and together they fill both boats so that they begin to sink. The involvement of partners underscores the magnitude of the catch—it exceeds what one boat could safely bear. The detail of the boats beginning to sink emphasizes both the physical reality of the miracle and the risk of loss even amidst blessing. This scene portrays divine generosity overflowing human capacity and prompts a communal recognition of Jesus’ power. It also increases witnesses to the miracle, multiplying its testimonial value among the fishermen.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they made signs to their friends in the other boat to come to their help. And they came, and the two boats were so full that they were going down.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they beckoned to the partners, who <FI>are<Fi> in the other boat, having come, to help them; and they came, and filled both the boats, so that they were sinking.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they beckoned to their partners who were in the other ship to come and help them, and they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were sinking.
Context
Following the nets’ straining, this verse increases the drama: not only a large catch, but a catch that fills two boats. This sets the stage for Peter’s reaction and the acknowledgment of Jesus’ holiness. The arrival of others means more witnesses to the miracle, giving weight to the fishermen’s amazement. What comes next is Peter’s confession and trembling, after which Jesus will redirect the miracle’s meaning toward a calling to gather people rather than fish.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 23:5
If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, thou shalt forbear to leave him, thou shalt surely release it with him.
- Romans 16:2
that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self.
- Acts 11:25
And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;
- Proverbs 18:24
He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
- Philippians 4:3
Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
- Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
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