King James Version

What Does Luke 5:1 Mean?

Luke 5:1 in the King James Version says “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, — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Luke 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

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,

2

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God—The verb epikeisthai (ἐπίκεισθαι, 'pressed upon') conveys physical crowding, eager intensity to hear ton logon tou theou (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 contrasts with religious leaders' hardness, validating Jesus's ministry among common people.

He stood by the lake of Gennesaret—Luke uses the Greek name limnēs Gennēsaret (λίμνης Γεννησαρέτ, 'Lake of Gennesaret'), referencing the fertile plain on the northwest shore, rather than the Hebrew 'Sea of Galilee' or 'Sea of Tiberias.' This sets the scene for the miraculous catch of fish (verses 4-11) and Peter's call to discipleship. The geographic specificity anchors Luke's narrative in eyewitness testimony. Standing by water while teaching anticipates using Simon's boat as a floating pulpit (verse 3), demonstrating Jesus's practical adaptability in ministry—turning a fisherman's boat into a teaching platform, ordinary moments into divine encounters.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) was central to Galilean life, supporting a thriving fishing industry. The fertile Gennesaret plain produced abundant crops, making the region densely populated. Jesus concentrated His early ministry here rather than in Jerusalem, reaching common people—fishermen, farmers, tax collectors—who became His first disciples. The lake's acoustics made it ideal for outdoor teaching to large crowds.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the crowd's eagerness to 'hear the word of God' reveal about spiritual hunger? How does your own hunger for Scripture compare?
  2. How does Jesus's use of a fisherman's boat for ministry illustrate His ability to sanctify ordinary resources for kingdom purposes?
  3. In what practical, unexpected ways might God be calling you to use your 'boat'—your resources, skills, or platform—for His word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἐγένετο1 of 22

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 22

that as

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 22
G3588

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

τὸν5 of 22
G3588

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

ὄχλον6 of 22

the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἐπικεῖσθαι7 of 22

pressed upon

G1945

to rest upon (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸς8 of 22

he

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

τοῦ9 of 22
G3588

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

ἀκούειν10 of 22

to hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὸν11 of 22
G3588

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

λόγον12 of 22

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ13 of 22
G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 22

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ15 of 22
G2532

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

αὐτὸς16 of 22

he

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

ἦν17 of 22

stood

G2258

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

ἑστὼς18 of 22
G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

παρὰ19 of 22

by

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τὴν20 of 22
G3588

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

λίμνην21 of 22

the lake

G3041

a pond (large or small)

Γεννησαρέτ22 of 22

of Gennesaret

G1082

gennesaret (i.e., kinnereth), a lake and plain in palestine


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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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