King James Version

What Does Luke 5:3 Mean?

Luke 5:3 in the King James Version says “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.... — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 5:3 · 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.

4

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5

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.


Commentary

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 compliance with simple request leads to miraculous catch and formal calling. Small obedience opens door to greater revelation blessing calling. Reformed theology emphasizes progressive revelation God meets us where we are leads us forward. Jesus teaching from boat preparation for calling Peter would eventually preach kingdom message.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Using boat as floating pulpit practical solution crowd pressure. Water reflects sound carries voice. Common teaching method for lakeside crowds. Jesus taught people sat he sat boat they shore natural amphitheater. This teaching session not recorded Luke compresses narrative. The content likely kingdom message parables. Peter heard this teaching before miraculous catch and call. God prepares hearts through Word before calling. Early church emphasized teaching ministry apostles devoted themselves to Word and prayer. Peter would become great preacher at Pentecost beyond former fisherman suggests supernatural transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus humble request teach about how God approaches us?
  2. How does small obedience prepare way for greater calling blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἐμβὰς1 of 25

he entered

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 25

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἓν4 of 25

one

G1520

one

τῶν5 of 25
G3588

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

πλοίου6 of 25

of the ships

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

7 of 25

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦν8 of 25

was

G2258

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

τοῦ9 of 25
G3588

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

Σίμωνος10 of 25

Simon's

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ἠρώτησεν11 of 25

and prayed

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

αὐτὸν12 of 25

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

ἀπὸ13 of 25

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς14 of 25
G3588

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

γῆς15 of 25

the land

G1093

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

ἐπαναγαγεῖν16 of 25

that he would thrust out

G1877

to lead up on, i.e., (technical) to put out (to sea); (intransitively) to return

ὀλίγον17 of 25

a little

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

καὶ18 of 25

And

G2532

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

καθίσας19 of 25

he sat down

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

ἐδίδασκεν20 of 25

and taught

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐκ21 of 25

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ22 of 25
G3588

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

πλοίου23 of 25

of the ships

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

τοὺς24 of 25
G3588

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

ὄχλους25 of 25

the people

G3793

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


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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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