Devine Scripture

Luke 5:9

What does Luke 5:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 5:9 means

Luke explains that Peter and those with him were amazed at the catch of fish. The verse repeats and stresses the astonishment of all involved, reinforcing that the event was extraordinary and struck observers deeply. This amazement is not merely about abundance but about the source behind it—Jesus’ word. The collective reaction underscores that the miracle was publicly witnessed and credible. Luke uses this to show that encounters with Jesus provoke powerful responses—wonder, worship, and often a reorientation of life toward him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For he was full of wonder and so were all those who were with him, at the number of fish which they had taken;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for astonishment seized him, and all those with him, at the draught of the fishes that they took,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For astonishment had laid hold on him, and on all those who were with him, at the haul of fishes which they had taken;

Context

This explanatory verse comes immediately after Peter’s confession of sin and clarifies that others shared his amazement. It strengthens the narrative’s credibility by emphasizing communal reaction, not just individual emotion. The shared astonishment leads into naming the other fishermen—James and John—and to Jesus’ call to a new kind of work. Readers should see how public wonder paves the way for a public commission and the decision to follow Jesus.

v.8But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

v.9This passage

v.10and 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.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 9:6

    For he knew not what to answer; for they became sore afraid.

  • Psalms 8:8

    The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, Whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

  • Luke 4:36

    And amazement came upon all, and they spake together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

  • Luke 4:32

    and they were astonished at his teaching; for his word was with authority.

  • Psalms 8:6

    Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:

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