Luke 5:32
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλήλυθα
I came
G2064
ἐλήλυθα
I came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 8
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καλέσαι
to call
G2564
καλέσαι
to call
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
3 of 8
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
δικαίους
the righteous
G1342
δικαίους
the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
4 of 8
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;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.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Acts 3:26Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.Acts 20:21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
The phrase 'I came' occurs repeatedly in Jesus' teaching, revealing His sense of divine mission (Mark 2:17, Luke 19:10, John 10:10). First-century Pharisees pursued righteousness through law observance, considering themselves God's favored ones based on their religious performance. Jesus' statement that He came for sinners, not the righteous, either meant
- He came for those who acknowledge sin, not those claiming righteousness, or
- ironically, since none are truly righteous (Romans 3:23), He came for all who recognize their need.
Either way, self-righteousness excludes from grace. Only those admitting sin receive forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' declaration that He came 'to call sinners to repentance' teach about the gospel's target audience and message?
- How does Jesus' pattern of receiving sinners while opposing self-righteous Pharisees illustrate grace's paradox—available to all but received only by those admitting need?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares His mission: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' The phrase 'I came' (Greek 'elēlytha,' ἐλήλυθα, perfect tense) indicates Jesus' consciousness of His incarnational purpose—He came from heaven on divine mission. His target audience is 'sinners'—those who recognize their condition and need repentance. The word 'call' (Greek 'kalesai,' καλέσαι) means to summon, invite—gospel call summons sinners to repent. Those considering themselves 'righteous' don't hear this call because they see no need. True righteousness comes through repentance and faith, not self-achieved moral performance.