King James Version

What Does Luke 15:1 Mean?

Luke 15:1 in the King James Version says “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.”

Luke 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

2

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Luke sets the context: 'Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him' (Ἦσαν δὲ αὐτῷ ἐγγίζοντες πάντες οἱ τελῶναι καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀκούειν αὐτοῦ). The imperfect tense 'engizō' (ἐγγίζοντες, were drawing near) indicates continuous action—outcasts habitually came to Jesus. Tax collectors (τελῶναι, telōnai) were despised as collaborators with Rome and extortioners. 'Sinners' (ἁμαρτωλοὶ, hamartōloi) included prostitutes, the ritually unclean, and Torah-violators. Their attraction to Jesus demonstrates His radical acceptance and the gospel's appeal to those aware of their need. This gathering provokes the Pharisees' criticism (v.2), setting up three parables about God's joy over repentant sinners.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish society maintained strict social stratification. Pharisees avoided contact with sinners to preserve ritual purity. Tax collectors worked for Rome, collecting levies and tolls, typically overcharging to enrich themselves. Their collaboration with pagan occupiers made them traitors in Jewish eyes. That Jesus welcomed such people scandalized religious leaders and raised questions about His righteousness. Yet this pattern fulfilled His mission statement: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance' (Luke 5:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the fact that outcasts were drawn to Jesus while religious leaders opposed Him reveal about authentic gospel ministry?
  2. How should contemporary churches evaluate whether they attract sinners seeking grace or primarily appeal to the self-righteous?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Ἦσαν1 of 12

“drew near”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 12

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγγίζοντες3 of 12
G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

αὐτοῦ4 of 12

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντες5 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τελῶναι7 of 12

“the publicans”

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

καὶ8 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁμαρτωλοὶ10 of 12

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

ἀκούειν11 of 12

“for to hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτοῦ12 of 12

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:15Matthew 9:10-13Luke 5:29-32Matthew 21:28-31Ezekiel 18:27Luke 7:29

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