King James Version

What Does Luke 5:11 Mean?

Luke 5:11 in the King James Version says “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

Luke 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

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

10

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.

11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

12

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.

13

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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Commentary

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—Jesus above career, comfort, family expectations. Their immediate response shows decisive faith—no negotiation, delay, or conditions. Encountering Christ demands response, and genuine faith produces obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter, James, and John were business partners with family fishing enterprises (v. 10). Leaving boats and nets meant abandoning their livelihood and disappointing family expectations. In first-century Jewish culture, sons typically followed fathers' trades, making this break particularly radical. Yet Jesus repeatedly called for such prioritization (Luke 14:26, 18:22). The disciples' forsaking all demonstrates that Jesus' call supersedes natural obligations. Their immediate obedience reflects the urgency and authority of Jesus' summons—when the King calls, proper response is immediate, total commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'forsook all and followed' teach about the radical nature of genuine discipleship and proper response to Jesus' call?
  2. How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge our tendency to negotiate with or delay responding to God's call?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
καὶ1 of 11

“And”

G2532

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

καταγαγόντες2 of 11

“when they had brought”

G2609

to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel

τὰ3 of 11
G3588

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

πλοῖα4 of 11

“their ships”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐπὶ5 of 11

“to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν6 of 11
G3588

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

γῆν7 of 11

“land”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἀφέντες8 of 11

“they forsook”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἅπαντα9 of 11

“all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

ἠκολούθησαν10 of 11

“and followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ11 of 11

“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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:20Luke 5:28Matthew 19:27Luke 18:28-30Mark 10:21Mark 1:18-25

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