King James Version
What Does Luke 5:29 Mean?
“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.”
Context
27
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.
28
And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
29
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.
30
But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
31
And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
Commentary
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, as popularly including heathen as such, and substitutes the vaguer word “others.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:29 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 5:29
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge