King James Version

What Does Luke 5:7 Mean?

Luke 5:7 in the King James Version says “And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came,...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.”

Luke 5:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They beckoned unto partners in other ship that they should come help them. Beckoned dieneusån signaled unable to shout nets straining. Partners koinōnoi business partners James John. Other ship second boat needed for catch. Come help assistance required catch too large. Filled both ships plērōō completely full almost sinking. Partnership proves valuable crisis requires cooperation. Jesus blessing exceeds individual capacity requires community. Picture of kingdom harvest too large for individual workers requires cooperative ministry. Reformed theology emphasizes church as community body with diverse gifts working together. Evangelism discipleship ministry require partnership not lone rangers. The catch size points to future harvest souls responding to gospel preaching.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fishing partnerships were economic necessity sharing boats nets labor costs profits. James John sons of Zebedee were partners with Peter Andrew. Families likely had long business relationship. These partnerships formed basis for apostolic band. Jesus called men who already knew how to work together. Ministry partnerships built on existing relationships. Zeal without wisdom burns out. Partnership provides accountability support multiplication of ministry. Early church practiced team ministry Paul always traveled with companions. Apostles sent out in pairs. Modern missions emphasizes team approach avoiding lone missionary model.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the overwhelming catch requiring partnership picture kingdom ministry?
  2. What does Jesus blessing exceeding individual capacity teach about need for community in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

κατένευσαν2 of 23

“they beckoned”

G2656

to nod down (towards), i.e., (by analogy) to make signs to

τὰ3 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

μετόχοις4 of 23

“unto their partners”

G3353

participant, i.e., (as noun) a sharer; by implication, an associate

τὰ5 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν6 of 23

“were in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τὰ7 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἑτέρῳ8 of 23

“the other”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

πλοῖα9 of 23

“ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

τὰ10 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

ἦλθον11 of 23

“that they should come”

G2064

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

συλλαβέσθαι12 of 23

“and help”

G4815

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

αὐτά13 of 23

“them”

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

καὶ14 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἦλθον15 of 23

“that they should come”

G2064

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

καὶ16 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἔπλησαν17 of 23

“filled”

G4130

to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)

ἀμφότερα18 of 23

“both”

G297

(in plural) both

τὰ19 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

πλοῖα20 of 23

“ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ὥστε21 of 23

“so”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

βυθίζεσθαι22 of 23

“that they began to sink”

G1036

to sink; by implication, to drown

αὐτά23 of 23

“them”

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:2Philippians 4:3Acts 11:25Exodus 23:5Proverbs 18:24Romans 16:2-4

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