Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:13

What does Matthew 18:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:13 means

Jesus explains that when the shepherd finds the lost sheep, his joy over its recovery surpasses his joy over the ninety-nine that never strayed. This doesn't mean the ninety-nine are less valued, but rather that the act of restoration brings a unique and intense gladness. The shepherd's rejoicing highlights the profound difference between steady faithfulness and the triumphant return from being lost, underscoring the deep emotional investment and delight God takes in the repentance and rediscovery of a wandering soul.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if he comes across it, truly I say to you, he has more joy over it than over the ninety-nine which have not gone out of the way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if it may come to pass that he doth find it, verily I say to you, that he doth rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if it so be that he find it: Amen I say to you, he rejoiceth more for that, than for the ninety-nine that went not astray.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if it should come to pass that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoices more because of it than because of the ninety and nine not gone astray.

Context

This verse continues the parable of the lost sheep, describing the shepherd's profound joy upon finding the one that was lost. It immediately follows the setup of the search in verse 12 and leads into the direct application of the parable's meaning in verse 14. This emotional aspect of the parable reinforces God's personal and passionate care for each individual, especially those who wander away.

v.12How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray?

v.13This passage

v.14Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.

  • Luke 15:23

    and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry:

  • Isaiah 62:5

    For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee; and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.

  • James 2:13

    For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.

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