About Luke

Luke presents Jesus as the perfect man and Savior of all people, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 59-63Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 39
Universal SalvationSon of ManHoly SpiritPrayerJoyCompassion

King James Version

Luke 5

39 verses with commentary

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>As the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God</strong>—The verb <em>epikeisthai</em> (ἐπίκεισθαι, 'pressed upon') conveys physical crowding, eager intensity to hear <em>ton logon tou theou</em> (τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, 'the word of God'). Luke consistently uses this elevated phrase rather than 'Jesus's teaching,' emphasizing divine authority. The crowd's hunger for God's word contrast...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**V.** (1-11) **And it came to pass . . .**—See Notes on Matthew 4:18-22. The narrative here has so many points in common with that in St. Matthew and St. Mark (Mark 1:16-20) that it has been supposed by most commentators to be a different report of the same facts. It is supposed to be all but incredible that the call to the four disciples, the promise that they should be “fishers of men,” their l...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

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KJV Study Commentary

He saw two ships standing by lake fishermen gone out washing nets. Two ships indicates fishing partnership. Fishermen gone out exited boats. Washing nets cleaning maintaining equipment end of work. Normal workday ending Jesus enters ordinary life. God calls people where they are not requiring special religious preparation. Washing nets mundane task becomes setting for divine encounter. Jesus sees ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Two ships.**—Better, *boats,* or *little ships,* the Greek word being a diminutive, as in John 6:23. The narrative implies that they were the boats respectively of Jonas, the father of Peter and Andrew, and of Zebedee. **Washing their nets.**—There is a slight, but noticeable variation here, from the “mending their nets” in St. Matthew and St. Mark. The process implied that having fished fru...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

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KJV Study Commentary

He entered one of ships which was Simon and prayed him that he would thrust out little from land. Jesus entered Simon boat specifically seeking Peter before formal call. Prayed erōtaō politely requested not commanded. Thrust out little create space between crowd and Jesus. From land allows using boat as pulpit acoustics carry voice. Jesus humble request to use boat becomes means of blessing. Peter...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **He entered into one of the ships.**—Our Lord would seem to have chosen this mode of teaching not unfrequently.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

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KJV Study Commentary

When he left speaking he said to Simon Launch out into deep let down nets for draught. When left speaking teaching concluded transition to miracle. To Simon directly addresses Peter not all fishermen. Launch out into deep anabasis orders contradicts fishing wisdom. Deep water not where fish congregate. Let down nets plural suggests large catch. For draught agra specifically catch of fish. Jesus co...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Let down your nets.**—It is, perhaps, a slight indication that the narrative of St. Luke does not give the same event as the other Gospels, that they use a different word for “net,” and one that has, technically, quite a distinct meaning. St. Luke’s word, however, is generic, and may therefore include the other; and the other two use it when they speak of the disciples leaving their “nets.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

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KJV Study Commentary

Peter responds to Jesus' instruction to let down nets: 'Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.' Peter's response shows tension between experience (fruitless night fishing) and faith (obedience to Jesus' word). The phrase 'at thy word' (Greek 'epi tō rhēmati sou,' ἐπὶ τῷ ῥήματί σου) indicates Peter's nascent faith in Jesus' au...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Master, we have toiled all the night.**—The word translated Master (*epistates*) is not the same as that (*didaskalos,* teacher) in the other Gospels, and often in this also, and is peculiar to St. Luke. It implies a less distinct recognition of our Lord’s character as a teacher or Rabbi, and was more the language of general respect, such as workmen might use of their master. Here, however, ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

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KJV Study Commentary

When they had done this they enclosed great multitude of fishes net brake. Done this obeyed Jesus command despite doubts. Enclosed sunekleisan completely surrounded shut in. Great multitude plēthos translates enormous quantity. Net brake diengnymi nets tearing from weight. Miraculous catch defying natural explanation. Jesus supernatural knowledge and provision. Demonstration of His authority over ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Their net brake.**—Better, *their nets were breaking,* the tense being the imperfect.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

They beckoned unto partners in other ship that they should come help them. Beckoned dieneusån signaled unable to shout nets straining. Partners koinōnoi business partners James John. Other ship second boat needed for catch. Come help assistance required catch too large. Filled both ships plērōō completely full almost sinking. Partnership proves valuable crisis requires cooperation. Jesus blessing ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Their partners, which were in the other ship.**—These are named in Luke 5:10 as “James, and John, the sons of Zebedee.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

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KJV Study Commentary

When Peter sees the miraculous catch, he 'fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' The Greek 'kyrie' (κύριε, Lord) acknowledges Jesus' divine authority. Peter's response—falling down, confessing sinfulness, asking Jesus to depart—shows proper reaction to encountering holiness. Awareness of Jesus' power triggers awareness of personal sinfulness. Like Isaiah...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Depart from me; for I am a sinful man.**—We must remember that both before and on that very day Peter had listened to our Lord’s teaching in all its deep and piercing power, and that thus what we have learnt to call “conviction of sin” may well have been begun in him. Then came the miracle, with the proof it gave of superhuman power and knowledge, and with that the consciousness, such as eve...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**38. son of God--**Compare Ac 17:28.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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For he was astonished , and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

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KJV Study Commentary

For he was astonished and all with him at draught of fishes taken. Astonished thambos amazement wonder shock. He and all with him indicates everyone witnesses amazed. Draught of fishes agra literal catch haul. Taken sunelabōn captured together completed action. Natural response to supernatural event. Peter especially affected this was his profession he knew impossibility. Miracle designed to prepa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **For he was astonished.**—More literally, *for astonishment seized him.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds to Peter's fear: 'Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' The command 'fear not' addresses Peter's terror at encountering deity. Jesus transforms Peter's profession—from catching fish to catching men. The Greek 'zōgrōn' (ζωγρῶν, catch alive, take captive) was used for capturing prisoners in war but here means winning people for God's kingdom. Peter's fishing expertise becom...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Which were partners with Simon.**—The Greek word is not the same as that in Luke 5:7; that expressing that they were sharers in the work, this a more general partnership in business, as in Philemon 1:17. **Thou shalt catch men.**—This is St. Luke’s equivalent for the “I will make you fishers of men” in St. Matthew and St. Mark. The word implies that what is caught is taken alive. The only o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

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KJV Study Commentary

After the miraculous catch, Peter, James, and John 'forsook all, and followed him.' The Greek 'aphentes panta' (ἀφέντες πάντα, forsaking all) emphasizes total abandonment—they left boats, fishing business, family enterprise, security. The verb 'followed' (Greek 'ēkolouthēsan,' ἠκολούθησαν) means to accompany, join as a disciple, take the same path. True discipleship requires radical prioritization...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **They forsook all . . .**—This is obviously the strong point in favour of the identity of the facts related by the three Evangelists, but it admits of being explained, as above, by supposing a temporary return (such as we find after the Resurrection in John 21:1) to their former calling.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 5 Chapter Outline The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called.(1-11) A leper cleansed.(12-16) A paralytic cured.(17-26) Levi called, Christ's answer to the Pharisees.(27-39) **Verses 1-11** When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but ...
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Jesus Cleanses a Leper

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

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KJV Study Commentary

Man full of leprosy fell on face besought him saying Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean. Full of leprosy advanced stage worst possible case. Fell on face prostration worship desperation. Besought deomai earnestly begged. Lord kurios acknowledges authority divinity. If thou wilt recognizes Jesus sovereignty not demanding presuming. Thou canst expresses faith in Jesus power ability. Make me ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12-16) **A man full of leprosy.**—See Notes on Matthew 8:2-4. The precise description is peculiar to, and characteristic of, St. Luke, as is also the man’s “falling on his face.” The latter is interesting as explaining the more general “worshipping” of St. Mark.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-16** This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the L...
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And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

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KJV Study Commentary

He put forth hand touched him saying I will be thou clean and immediately leprosy departed. Put forth exteinas stretched out. Hand cheira physical contact. Touched hēpsato deliberate touching unclean. Ceremonially defiling act. Him autou the leper. Saying legōn. I will thelō expresses Jesus willing decision. Be thou clean katharisthēti passive imperative be cleansed. And kai immediate result. Imme...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-16** This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the L...
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And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

He charged him tell no man but go show thyself to priest and offer for cleansing as Moses commanded for testimony. Charged paraggeilem strongly ordered. Tell no man mēdeni eipēs speak to no one. But alla contrast. Go poreuthe ios departure. Show deix on display exhibit. Thyself seauton personal appearance. To priest tō hierei official examiner. And kai continuation. Offer prosenegke bring sacrific...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-16** This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the L...
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But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

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KJV Study Commentary

But so much more went abroad a fame of him and great multitudes came together to hear and be healed by him of infirmities. But de adversative despite command to silence. So much more mallon more and more increasingly. Went abroad diērcheto spread throughout. Fame logos word report. Of him peri autou about Him. And kai result. Great multitudes ochloi polloi large crowds. Came together synērchonto g...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **So much the more.**—The statement agrees with St. Mark, St. Matthew closing his account with the command given to the leper. Both the verbs, “went” and “came together,” are in the tense that implies continuous action.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-16** This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the L...
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And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

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KJV Study Commentary

Luke records Jesus' pattern: 'And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.' The imperfect tense indicates continuous, repeated action—Jesus habitually withdrew for prayer. The 'wilderness' (Greek 'erēmos,' ἔρημος) provided solitude away from crowds. Prayer sustained Jesus' ministry—He sought the Father's presence regularly, not just during crises. This challenges activist ministry that...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **He withdrew himself into the wilderness.**—Literally, *into the wildernesses,* agreeing with St. Mark’s “in desert places,” now in one part, now in another, of the unenclosed, uncultivated country. The addition that he “was praying” there is peculiar to St. Luke, who, throughout his Gospel, lays stress on this feature in our Lord’s life. (See *Introduction.*)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 12-16** This man is said to be full of leprosy; he had that distemper in a high degree, which represents our natural pollution by sin; we are full of that leprosy; from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there is no soundness in us. Strong confidence and deep humility are united in the words of this leper. And if any sinner, from a deep sense of vileness, says, I know the L...
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Jesus Heals a Paralytic

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

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KJV Study Commentary

It came to pass on certain day as he taught that Pharisees doctors of law sitting by come out of every town Galilee Judea Jerusalem and power of Lord was present to heal. Certain day specific occasion. Taught en didaskōn ongoing teaching. Pharisees Pharisaioi separated ones religious party. Doctors of law nomodidaskaloi Torah teachers scribes. Sitting by kathēmenoi seated position of learners or o...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17-26) I**t came to pass . . .**—See Notes on Matthew 9:1-8. **Pharisees and doctors of the law.**—The description of the crowd of listeners is peculiar to St. Luke. The fact that many of the doctors of the law had come from Jerusalem is obviously important in its connection with St. John’s account (John 2, 5) of our Lord’s previous work in that city, and as explaining the part now taken by them....
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

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KJV Study Commentary

Behold men brought in bed man which was taken with palsy they sought to bring him in and lay him before. Behold idou attention-getter. Men andres multiple bearers. Brought pherontes carrying. In bed klinēs mat pallet. Man which was taken paralyzed. Palsy paralelymenos paralytic. Sought ezētoun imperfect continuous effort. Bring him eisenegkein get inside. Lay him theinai place. Before enōpion auto...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Which was taken with a palsy.**—Literally *paralysed,* or *palsy-stricken,* a somewhat more technical, and therefore characteristic word than the “sick of the palsy” in the other Gospels.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

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KJV Study Commentary

When could not find by what way they might bring him because multitude went upon housetop let him down through tiling with couch into midst before Jesus. Could not find ouch heurontes no way. By what way poias impossible. Might bring eisenegkōsin get him inside. Because dia with accusative due to. Multitude ochlon crowd. Went anabantes ascended climbed. Upon housetop epi to dōma roof. Let down kat...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **With his couch.**—The Greek word is the diminutive of the word translated “bed” in Luke 5:18, and is used, apparently, as St. Mark uses the Latin *grabatum,* to show how it was that the process described was possible.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

When friends brought a paralytic to Jesus, 'when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.' Jesus responds not to the paralytic's faith but to the faith of those carrying him—faith demonstrated through determined effort (removing roof tiles to lower him). Significantly, Jesus addresses sin before disease, identifying spiritual need as primary. The declaration 'thy sins...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

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KJV Study Commentary

Scribes and Pharisees began to reason saying Who is this that speaks blasphemies Who can forgive sins but God alone. Scribes grammateis Torah experts. Pharisees Pharisaioi religious separatists. Began ērxanto initiated. Reason dialogizesthai think through deliberate. Saying legontes articulating. Who tis interrogative. This houtos derogatory this fellow. Speaks lalōn continuous present. Blasphemie...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus perceiving their thoughts answering said What reason ye in hearts. Perceiving epignous full knowledge. Thoughts dialogismous reasonings objections. Answering apokritheis responded though unspoken. Said eipen. What ti interrogative. Reason dialogizesthe deliberate argue. Hearts kardiais inner being. Jesus knows thoughts sees hearts. Divine omniscience attribute of deity. Nothing hidden from H...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **When Jesus perceived their thoughts.**—Better, *their reasonings,* the Greek noun being formed from the verb used in Luke 5:21.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

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KJV Study Commentary

Whether is easier to say Thy sins be forgiven thee or say Rise up and walk. Whether ti comparative question. Easier eucopōteron less difficult. To say eipein verbal pronouncement. Thy sins be forgiven present passive. Or ē alternative. Rise up egeirai stand. Walk peripatei move about. Point is neither easy both require divine power. But forgiveness invisible healing visible authenticates invisible...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

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KJV Study Commentary

But that ye may know Son of man has power earth forgive sins said unto sick palsy I say arise take up couch go unto house. Son of man Daniel 7:13 messianic title. Power exousia authority both right and ability. Earth epi tēs gēs presently available. Forgive aphienai release cancel debt. Said eipen shift from reasoning to command. I say egō soi lego emphatic. Arise egeirai resurrection language. Ta...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

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KJV Study Commentary

Immediately he rose before them took up that whereon lay went unto own house glorifying God. Immediately parachēma instant. Rose anastas resurrection term. Before them enōpion autōn public verification. Took up aras. That whereon lay klinidion his mat. Went apēlthen departed. Own house oikon idion home destination. Glorifying doxazōn praising. God ton theon. Complete immediate healing publicly ver...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Glorifying God.**—The fact that the man himself did this as well as the by-standers is peculiar to St. Luke.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 4 Lu 4:1-13. Temptation of Christ. (See on Mt 4:1-11.) Lu 4:14-32. Jesus Entering on His Public Ministry, Makes a Circuit of Galilee--Rejection at Nazareth. **Note.--**A large gap here occurs, embracing the important transactions in Galilee and Jerusalem which are recorded in Joh 1:29-4:54, and which occurred before John's imprisonment (Joh 3:24); whereas the transactions here recorded...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

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KJV Study Commentary

They were all amazed glorified God filled with fear saying We have seen strange things today. All amazed ekstasis overwhelming shock. Glorified edoxazon praised. God ton theon proper object. Filled with fear ephobēthēsan holy reverence awe. Saying legontes verbal response. Seen eidomen eyewitness. Strange things paradoxa paradoxes unexpected wonders. Today sēmeron this very day immediate. Crowd re...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **They glorified God.**—Noticeable as common to all the three reports. The precise expression, *“*We have seen strange things to-day” (literally, *things beyond expectation*)*,* is peculiar to St. Luke.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 17-26** How many are there in our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, who do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent to them. Observe the duties taught and recommended to us by the history of the paralytic. In applying to Christ, we must be very pressing and urgent; that is an evidence of faith, and is very ple...
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The Calling of Levi

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

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KJV Study Commentary

After these he went forth saw publican named Levi sitting at receipt custom said Follow me. After meta sequential. Went forth exēlthen departed. Saw etheasa to noticed observed. Publican telōnēn tax collector. Named onomati called. Levi Matthew. Sitting kathēmenon position of occupation. Receipt custom telōnion tax booth. Said eipen authoritative. Follow me akolouthei same call to other disciples....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27-32) **A** **publican, named Levi.**—See Notes on Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:14-17. St. Luke’s agreement with St. Mark is again a noticeable fact.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18-19. To have fixed on any passage announcing His sufferings (as Is 53:1-12), would have been unsuitable at that early stage of His ministry. But He selects a passage announcing the sublime object of His whole mission, its divine character, and His special endowments for it; expressed in the first person, and so singularly adapted to the first opening of the mouth in His prophetic capacity, that ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

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KJV Study Commentary

He left all rose up followed him. Left kataipōn abandoned forsook. All panta everything complete renunciation. Rose anastas decisive action. Followed ēkolouthei continuous discipleship. Levi/Matthew left lucrative tax collection business. Immediate obedience. Total commitment. No looking back. Sold out for Christ. This pattern for true discipleship. Reformed theology emphasizes genuine conversion ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **And followed him.**—Not then only, but continually, the verb being in the imperfect tense.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18-19. To have fixed on any passage announcing His sufferings (as Is 53:1-12), would have been unsuitable at that early stage of His ministry. But He selects a passage announcing the sublime object of His whole mission, its divine character, and His special endowments for it; expressed in the first person, and so singularly adapted to the first opening of the mouth in His prophetic capacity, that ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

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KJV Study Commentary

Levi made great feast in his own house and there was great company publicans others sat down. Levi made epoiēsen prepared. Great feast dochēn megalēn large banquet. Own house oikia personal residence. Great company ochlos polys large crowd. Publicans telōnōn tax collectors despised class. Others allōn likely sinners social outcasts. Sat down reclined at table intimate fellowship. Levi celebration ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **A great feast.**—The fact stated agrees with St. Mark, but the precise phrase is peculiar to St. Luke. The noun means literally a *reception,* and agrees, curiously enough, with the most modern use of that word. **Of publicans and of others.**—It is, perhaps, characteristic of St. Luke as a Gentile that he will not use the word “sinners” as St. Matthew and St. Mark appear to have used it, a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. the minister--**the chazan, or synagogue-officer. **all eyes ... fastened on Him--**astounded at His putting in such claims.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

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KJV Study Commentary

Scribes Pharisees murmured against disciples saying Why do ye eat drink with publicans sinners. Scribes grammateis Torah experts. Pharisees Pharisaioi separatists. Murmured egongyzton grumbled complained. Against disciples pros targeted complaint. Saying legontes articulating objection. Why dia ti what reason. Eat drink commensality table fellowship. With meta in company of. Publicans sinners hama...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Murmured.**—Better, *were murmuring.* In reporting what was said by others, St. Luke naturally gives the word “sinners” as it was actually spoken.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. began to say, &amp;c.--**His whole address was just a detailed application to Himself of this and perhaps other like prophecies.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus responds to Pharisees' criticism: 'They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.' This proverb illustrates spiritual reality—those who recognize their spiritual sickness seek the Physician (Jesus), while those who consider themselves spiritually healthy see no need for Him. The Pharisees' self-righteousness blinded them to their desperate need. Jesus doesn't claim some pe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **They that are whole.**—Better, *they that are in health.* Note, as once more characteristic of the “physician,” the use of this term instead of “they that are strong,” the strict meaning of the Greek word used in the other two Gospels. (See *Introduction.*)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. gracious words--**"the words of grace," referring both to the richness of His matter and the sweetness of His manner (Psa 45:2). **Is not this, &amp;c.--**(See on Mt 13:54-56). They knew He had received no rabbinical education, and anything supernatural they seemed incapable of conceiving.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus declares His mission: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' The phrase 'I came' (Greek 'elēlytha,' ἐλήλυθα, perfect tense) indicates Jesus' consciousness of His incarnational purpose—He came from heaven on divine mission. His target audience is 'sinners'—those who recognize their condition and need repentance. The word 'call' (Greek 'kalesai,' καλέσαι) means to summo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **I came not.**—Strictly, *I have not come.* **But sinners to repentance.**—In the best MSS. the last word is added by St. Luke only. One MS. (the Sinaitic) has the remarkable various-reading “the ungodly” for “sinners,” as if from a recollection of Romans 5:6-7.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. this proverb--**like our "Charity begins at home." **whatsoever, &amp;c.--**"Strange rumors have reached our ears of Thy doings at Capernaum; but if such power resides in Thee to cure the ills of humanity, why has none of it yet come nearer home, and why is all this alleged power reserved for strangers?" His choice of Capernaum as a place of residence since entering on public life was, it ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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A Question About Fasting

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

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KJV Study Commentary

Why do disciples of John fast oft likewise Pharisees but thine eat drink. John disciples ascetic practice. Fast nēsteuousin abstain from food. Oft pykna frequently regular. Likewise homoiōs similarly. Pharisees religious fasting. But de contrast. Thine soi your disciples. Eat drink normal activities. Question challenges Jesus disciples lack of fasting. Jesus response bridegroom presence changes ev...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33-39) W**hy do the disciples of John fast?**—See Notes on Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22. St. Luke is less definite than the other two in stating who the questioners were. It is only from St. Mark that we learn that they included the two classes to whom the question referred.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. And he said, &amp;c.--**He replies to the one proverb by another, equally familiar, which we express in a rougher form--"Too much familiarity breeds contempt." Our Lord's long residence in Nazareth merely as a townsman had made Him too common, incapacitating them for appreciating Him as others did who were less familiar with His everyday demeanor in private life. A most important principle, ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

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KJV Study Commentary

Can ye make children bridechamber fast while bridegroom is with them. Rhetorical question expects no. Children nymphōnos wedding guests attendants. Bridechamber wedding hall. Fast nēsteusai abstain food. While en hō during time. Bridegroom nymphios groom. Is with them presence. Fasting is mourning bridegroom presence is joy. Cannot mourn while celebrating. Jesus self-identification as bridegroom. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Can ye make** **. . .?—**The question is somewhat stronger in form than the simple, “Can the children of the bride-chamber fast?” in the other reports.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-27. But I tell you, &amp;c.--**falling back for support on the well-known examples of Elijah and Elisha (Eliseus), whose miraculous power, passing by those who were near, expended itself on those at a distance, yea on heathens, "the two great prophets who stand at the commencement of prophetic antiquity, and whose miracles strikingly prefigured those of our Lord. As He intended like them to f...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

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KJV Study Commentary

Days will come when bridegroom shall be taken away then shall they fast. Days hēmerai future time. Will come eleusontai inevitable. Bridegroom nymphios Christ. Taken away aparthē forcibly removed. Then tote at that time. Fast nēsteusousin abstain. Predicts His death departure. Bride groom removed is death metaphor. Disciples will mourn fast after crucifixion. Until resurrection they fasted mourned...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-27. But I tell you, &amp;c.--**falling back for support on the well-known examples of Elijah and Elisha (Eliseus), whose miraculous power, passing by those who were near, expended itself on those at a distance, yea on heathens, "the two great prophets who stand at the commencement of prophetic antiquity, and whose miracles strikingly prefigured those of our Lord. As He intended like them to f...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old ; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

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KJV Study Commentary

No man puts piece of new garment upon old if otherwise then both new maketh rent and piece taken from new agrees not with old. Parable. Piece epiblema patch. New garment himatiou kainou new cloth. Upon old palaion. Both new and old ruined. New cloth shrinks tears old. Principle mixing old new systems incompatible. Cannot patch old covenant with new. New wine new wineskins required. Jesus teaching ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **And he spake also a parable unto them.**—The illustration that follows is common to all three reports, but St. Luke only describes it as a parable, the others apparently confining that term to something that took the form of an actual narrative. **No man putteth.**—The better MSS. give, *No man having rent a piece from a new garment putteth it upon an old.* The form which the illustration t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25-27. But I tell you, &amp;c.--**falling back for support on the well-known examples of Elijah and Elisha (Eliseus), whose miraculous power, passing by those who were near, expended itself on those at a distance, yea on heathens, "the two great prophets who stand at the commencement of prophetic antiquity, and whose miracles strikingly prefigured those of our Lord. As He intended like them to f...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

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KJV Study Commentary

No man puts new wine into old bottles else new wine will burst bottles wine be spilled bottles shall perish. Parable continued. New wine neos oinos unfermented still fermenting. Old bottles askous palaious old wineskins animal skins. Will burst rhēxei tear rupture. Wine spilled ekcheithēsetai wasted. Bottles perish apollyntai destroyed. Both lost. New wine requires new wineskins. Flexible containe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **Else.**—Better, as before, *if otherwise.* **The bottles shall perish.**—Better, *will* perish, there being no reason for any difference between the two verbs.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28-29. when they heard these things--**these allusions to the heathen, just as afterwards with Paul (Ac 22:21, 22).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

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KJV Study Commentary

New wine must be put into new bottles both preserved. Must dei necessary. New wine kainos new. New bottles askous kainous new wineskins. Both amphoteroi wine and skins. Preserved syntērountai maintained intact. Proper container essential. New covenant requires appropriate structures. Gospel demands suitable forms. Not that forms save but they facilitate or hinder. Church structures should serve go...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**28-29. when they heard these things--**these allusions to the heathen, just as afterwards with Paul (Ac 22:21, 22).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better</strong>—This final verse completes Jesus's parable about wineskins (5:36-39), adding a psychological observation missing from Matthew and Mark's accounts. The Greek <em>eutheos</em> (εὐθέως, straightway/immediately) emphasizes the instinctive preference: <strong>The old is better</strong> (<em>ho p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **No man also having drunk old wine.**—This addition is peculiar to St. Luke, and calls accordingly for distinct notice. The interpretation of the imagery is not far to seek. The old wine is the principle—in spiritual things, the religion—that animated the man’s former life. In relation to those immediately addressed, it represented the motive-power of the Law in its rigid and Pharisaic form....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. passing through the midst, &amp;c.--**evidently in a miraculous way, though perhaps quite noiselessly, leading them to wonder afterwards what spell could have come over them, that they allowed Him to escape. (Similar escapes, however, in times of persecution, are not unexampled.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 27-39** It was a wonder of Christ's grace, that he would call a publican to be his disciple and follower. It was a wonder of his grace, that the call was made so effectual. It was a wonder of his grace, that he came to call sinners to repentance, and to assure them of pardon. It was a wonder of his grace, that he so patiently bore the contradiction of sinners against himself and his d...
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