King James Version

What Does Luke 5:32 Mean?

Luke 5:32 in the King James Version says “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 5:32 · KJV

Context

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.

32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

33

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

34

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares His mission: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' The phrase 'I came' (Greek 'elēlytha,' ἐλήλυθα, perfect tense) indicates Jesus' consciousness of His incarnational purpose—He came from heaven on divine mission. His target audience is 'sinners'—those who recognize their condition and need repentance. The word 'call' (Greek 'kalesai,' καλέσαι) means to summon, invite—gospel call summons sinners to repent. Those considering themselves 'righteous' don't hear this call because they see no need. True righteousness comes through repentance and faith, not self-achieved moral performance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'I came' occurs repeatedly in Jesus' teaching, revealing His sense of divine mission (Mark 2:17, Luke 19:10, John 10:10). First-century Pharisees pursued righteousness through law observance, considering themselves God's favored ones based on their religious performance. Jesus' statement that He came for sinners, not the righteous, either meant (1) He came for those who acknowledge sin, not those claiming righteousness, or (2) ironically, since none are truly righteous (Romans 3:23), He came for all who recognize their need. Either way, self-righteousness excludes from grace. Only those admitting sin receive forgiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' declaration that He came 'to call sinners to repentance' teach about the gospel's target audience and message?
  2. How does Jesus' pattern of receiving sinners while opposing self-righteous Pharisees illustrate grace's paradox—available to all but received only by those admitting need?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
οὐκ1 of 8

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐλήλυθα2 of 8

“I came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καλέσαι3 of 8

“to call”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

δικαίους4 of 8

“the righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἀλλὰ5 of 8

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἁμαρτωλοὺς6 of 8

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

εἰς7 of 8

“to”

G1519

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

μετάνοιαν8 of 8

“repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

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 5:32 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 5:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 19:10Luke 15:101 Timothy 1:15-16Luke 15:7Acts 3:19Luke 24:47

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