Devine Scripture

Luke 5:8

What does Luke 5:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 5:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 5:8 means

Simon Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and confesses his unworthiness, pleading that Jesus depart from him because he is a sinful man. Peter’s reaction reflects awe, guilt, and recognition of divine holiness. When confronted by God’s power, human sinfulness becomes painfully clear. His words are both humility and fear—he perceives that he stands before someone transcendent. This confession prepares him for forgiveness and calling; it’s a necessary step before being entrusted with mission. The moment shows how divine revelation brings conviction that can humble and convert.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Simon, when he saw it, went down at the knees of Jesus and said, Go away from me, O Lord, for I am a sinner.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Simon Peter having seen, fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, `Depart from me, because I am a sinful man, O lord;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Simon Peter, seeing it, fell at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.

Context

Peter’s collapse follows the miraculous catch and the overflowing boats. His response contrasts the fishermen’s amazement with spiritual self-awareness. After this confession, Luke notes that all were amazed, and Jesus reassures Peter, promising a new mission—‘thou shalt catch men.’ Thus Peter’s conviction of sin becomes the hinge that moves the story from miracle to calling, linking personal repentance with service in the kingdom.

v.7and 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.

v.8This passage

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

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 20:19

    And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

  • Job 42:5

    I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; But now mine eye seeth thee:

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,

  • Judges 13:22

    And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

  • 1 Kings 17:18

    And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? thou art come unto me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son!

  • Acts 10:25

    And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

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