King James Version

What Does Luke 5:4 Mean?

Luke 5:4 in the King James Version says “Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 5:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

Read Luke 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When he left speaking he said to Simon Launch out into deep let down nets for draught. When left speaking teaching concluded transition to miracle. To Simon directly addresses Peter not all fishermen. Launch out into deep anabasis orders contradicts fishing wisdom. Deep water not where fish congregate. Let down nets plural suggests large catch. For draught agra specifically catch of fish. Jesus command seems foolish contradicts professional experience. Test of obedience faith Peter faces choice trust expertise or trust Jesus word. Reformed theology emphasizes faith often requires acting contra human wisdom. God ways higher than our ways His commands may seem foolish but obedience brings blessing. Jesus tests Peter before calling him tests reveal character prepare for ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Professional fishermen knew when where how to fish. Nighttime was prime fishing time shallow water more productive. Jesus command violated fishing wisdom. Deep water open sea daylight wrong conditions. Peter already tired from night work cleaning nets. Jesus request seemed unreasonable. Yet this unreasonable command would demonstrate Jesus supernatural knowledge power prepare Peter for ministry requiring faith beyond human understanding. Peter later ministry would similarly require trusting God against human wisdom reason. Early church faced many humanly impossible situations required faith in God supernatural provision power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus command to launch into deep challenge trust in human expertise versus divine wisdom?
  2. When has God called you to obey despite circumstances contradicting wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὡς1 of 19

“when”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 19

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπαύσατο3 of 19

“he had left”

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

λαλῶν4 of 19

“speaking”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

εἶπεν5 of 19

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς6 of 19

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν7 of 19
G3588

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

Σίμωνα8 of 19

“Simon”

G4613

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

Ἐπανάγαγε9 of 19

“Launch out”

G1877

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

εἰς10 of 19

“for”

G1519

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

τὸ11 of 19
G3588

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

βάθος12 of 19

“the deep”

G899

profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery

καὶ13 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

χαλάσατε14 of 19

“let down”

G5465

to lower (as into a void)

τὰ15 of 19
G3588

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

δίκτυα16 of 19

“nets”

G1350

a seine (for fishing)

ὑμῶν17 of 19

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς18 of 19

“for”

G1519

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

ἄγραν19 of 19

“a draught”

G61

(abstractly) a catching (of fish); also (concretely) a haul (of fish)

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 21:6Matthew 17:27

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