Luke 15:5
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
it on
G1909
ἐπὶ
it on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Luke 19:9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Luke 15:32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.Luke 23:43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.Ezekiel 18:23Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Historical Context
Shepherds in ancient Palestine carried exhausted or injured sheep on their shoulders, a common sight that made this image viscerally powerful to Jesus's audience. The posture demonstrated both the sheep's helplessness and the shepherd's strength. Lost sheep were often too weak or disoriented to walk home even when found. The shepherd's joy contradicts any notion that restoring wanderers is burdensome duty rather than delightful privilege.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of being carried on the shepherd's shoulders challenge the belief that you must 'clean up your life' before coming to God?
- What does the shepherd's rejoicing while carrying the sheep (not after arriving home) reveal about God's immediate delight in finding you?
- In what ways do you need to let Christ carry you rather than trying to walk home through your own effort?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing (καὶ εὑρὼν ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους αὐτοῦ χαίρων, kai heurōn epitithēsin epi tous ōmous autou chairōn)—The participle chairōn (χαίρων, rejoicing) modifies the shepherd's action: he carries the sheep while rejoicing. The lost sheep doesn't walk home in shame; the shepherd bears the burden. This images Christ carrying sinners, not condemning them (cf. Isaiah 53:6, 'the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all').
The shoulders (ὤμους, ōmous) signify strength and honor—the priest carried the ephod with Israel's names on his shoulders (Exodus 28:12). The sheep is secure, positioned where it cannot fall. Joy precedes the homecoming celebration; the shepherd's delight is in the finding itself, not in subsequent praise from others. This is God's heart: He rejoices over you.