Luke Chapter 5 · Verse 11
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταγαγόντες
when they had brought
G2609
καταγαγόντες
when they had brought
Strong's:
G2609
Word #:
2 of 11
to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
land
G1093
γῆν
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 11
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἀφέντες
they forsook
G863
ἀφέντες
they forsook
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
8 of 11
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
Cross References
Matthew 4:20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.Matthew 19:27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?Luke 5:28And he left all, rose up, and followed him.Mark 10:21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.Matthew 10:37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Historical Context
Peter, James, and John were business partners with family fishing enterprises (v. 10). Leaving boats and nets meant abandoning their livelihood and disappointing family expectations. In first-century Jewish culture, sons typically followed fathers' trades, making this break particularly radical. Yet Jesus repeatedly called for such prioritization (Luke 14:26, 18:22). The disciples' forsaking all demonstrates that Jesus' call supersedes natural obligations. Their immediate obedience reflects the urgency and authority of Jesus' summons—when the King calls, proper response is immediate, total commitment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'forsook all and followed' teach about the radical nature of genuine discipleship and proper response to Jesus' call?
- How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge our tendency to negotiate with or delay responding to God's call?
Analysis & Commentary
After the miraculous catch, Peter, James, and John 'forsook all, and followed him.' The Greek 'aphentes panta' (ἀφέντες πάντα, forsaking all) emphasizes total abandonment—they left boats, fishing business, family enterprise, security. The verb 'followed' (Greek 'ēkolouthēsan,' ἠκολούθησαν) means to accompany, join as a disciple, take the same path. True discipleship requires radical prioritization—Jesus above career, comfort, family expectations. Their immediate response shows decisive faith—no negotiation, delay, or conditions. Encountering Christ demands response, and genuine faith produces obedience.