Luke Chapter 15 · Verse 2
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἵ
G3588
οἵ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
4 of 15
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
This man
G3754
ὅτι
This man
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Οὗτος
G3778
Οὗτος
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
προσδέχεται
receiveth
G4327
προσδέχεται
receiveth
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
12 of 15
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 9:11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?Luke 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.Luke 7:39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.Luke 5:30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?Acts 11:3Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.Luke 7:34The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!Galatians 2:12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Historical Context
Pharisaic purity regulations extended biblical laws into elaborate oral traditions. They maintained separation from the am ha-aretz (people of the land) who did not observe these traditions strictly. Table fellowship was especially sensitive—sharing food with the unclean made one unclean. Jesus' behavior threatened this entire system, suggesting that God's grace operates differently than their merit-based righteousness. The three parables that follow (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son) defend Jesus' practice by revealing God's heart—He actively seeks and joyfully receives repentant sinners.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' table fellowship with sinners model the gospel principle that Christ enters our mess to save us?
- What contemporary forms of Pharisaic separation might prevent Christians from effectively reaching lost people?
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees complain: 'This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them' (ὅτι Οὗτος ἁμαρτωλοὺς προσδέχεται καὶ συνεσθίει αὐτοῖς). The verb 'prosdechomai' (προσδέχεται, receiveth) means to welcome or accept, while 'synesthiō' (συνεσθίει, eateth with) indicates table fellowship—the most intimate social interaction. In Jewish culture, sharing meals implied acceptance, approval, even covenant relationship. The Pharisees' criticism reflects their theology: association with sinners brings defilement. Jesus' practice demonstrates gospel truth: He enters sinners' brokenness to bring transformation, not contamination. His holiness heals rather than being compromised by contact with sin.