Luke 15:6
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
when he cometh
G2064
ἐλθὼν
when he cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
home
G3624
οἶκον
home
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
5 of 22
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φίλους
his friends
G5384
φίλους
his friends
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
8 of 22
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γείτονας
neighbours
G1069
γείτονας
neighbours
Strong's:
G1069
Word #:
11 of 22
a neighbour (as adjoining one's ground); by implication, a friend
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 22
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
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατόν
sheep
G4263
πρόβατόν
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
19 of 22
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.Luke 15:24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Psalms 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.Acts 15:3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Luke 15:7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Historical Context
First-century Mediterranean culture was collectivist, not individualist. Joy and sorrow were shared communally. A shepherd returning with a lost sheep would naturally gather neighbors for celebration, both to testify to his diligence and to share his relief. This social context intensifies Jesus's critique: the Pharisees refused to join God's celebration over repentant sinners, isolating themselves from heaven's joy. Their absence from the party revealed their alienation from God's heart.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely rejoice when 'unlikely' people come to faith, or do you subtly resent God's grace to those you consider undeserving?
- How should the church's corporate worship reflect heaven's celebration over every repentant sinner?
- What does your response to others' conversions reveal about whether you understand grace as scandalous gift or earned reward?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me (συγκαλεῖ τοὺς φίλους καὶ τοὺς γείτονας, synkalei tous philous kai tous geitonas)—The verb synkaleō (συγκαλέω, to call together) indicates a celebration gathering. The imperative 'Rejoice with me' (syncharēte moi, συγχάρητέ μοι) means 'rejoice together with me'—the shepherd's joy demands communal participation.
For I have found my sheep which was lost (ὅτι εὗρον τὸ πρόβατόν μου τὸ ἀπολωλός, hoti heuron to probaton mou to apolōlos)—Possession ('my sheep') shows relationship, not mere property. The perfect participle apolōlos (ἀπολωλός, having been lost) emphasizes the previous state. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees' joyless response to repentant sinners. Their grumbling (v.2) contrasts sharply with heaven's celebration. Finding the lost is not embarrassing scandal but cause for communal rejoicing.